FFF Enterprises wins GSK flu contract
GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK's) flu vaccine in the US, making it the
largest flu vaccine distributor for the second year running.
After helping GSK launch Fluarix in the US last year, FFF Enterprises has been given an exclusive contract to distribute GSK's flu vaccine to non-acute settings, primarily doctors surgeries, for the coming 2006-07 flu season.
The firm already has non-exclusive contracts with GSK to distribute the vaccine to acute settings, such as hospitals, as well as with the other two manufacturers of the three US-licensed injectable vaccines, Chiron and Sanofi-Pasteur.
FFF claims its flu vaccine distribution model is unique in that it purchases vaccine only from manufacturers and ships it directly to healthcare providers so as to protect the vaccine from the risks of counterfeiting, tampering, mishandling and irresponsible pricing.
"There's no distribution model in the industry that is more secure," said Patrick Schmidt, president and CEO of FFF.
"Manufacturers are recognising the importance of this and as a result FFF is experiencing tremendous growth."
Days earlier the company also received another contract to deliver flu vaccine to state-run organisations in California on behalf of the California Department of Health Services.
"This award is one of the largest we have received from a state agency," said Schmidt.
In addition, the firm has set up a website to allow customers to place orders online and select their delivery dates - another unique service for flu vaccine providers.
"The website offers the nation's first system for ordering flu vaccine with confirmed delivery dates," said Schmidt.
"Historically, vaccine providers have been unable to secure guaranteed dates, making it near to impossible to schedule vaccine clinics with confidence."
Every year in the US an average of 36,000 people die from the flu and 200,000 people are hospitalised from flu complications.
