U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently released an examination of the federal government’s system to produce medications, vaccines, equipment and supplies needed for a health emergency.

The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Review: Transforming the Enterprise to Meet Long Range National Needs reviews the process and makes recommendations for a better approach. Secretary Sebelius requested the comprehensive review when the department encountered challenges with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine, highlighting the need for a modernized countermeasure production process.

The review covered the steps involved in the research, development, and FDA approval of medications, vaccines, and medical equipment and supplies for a health emergency. For more information,go to

http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/mcm/enterprisereview/Pages/default.aspx