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The 2009 H1N1 pandemic showed that the egg-based technology used to produce the bulk of flu vaccine is not nimble enough to protect during a pandemic. Charles Schmidt reports on progress in synthetic and recombinant technologies that may provide an answer.
Despite recent failures, a flurry of activity in biotech and pharma is raising hopes that an effective drug for this fatal lung disease is on the way. Ken Garber investigates.
New research will shed light on claims from commercial banks that cord blood–derived stem cells can be used in diseases beyond hematological disorders. Sarah Webb investigates.
The field of induced pluripotent stem cells is barely seven years old, but already three groups are close to launching clinical trials. Ken Garber looks into the prospects and perils.
Better understanding of the mechanisms of action, modification and synthesis of antimicrobial peptides is reigniting commercial development. Jeffrey L. Fox reports.
Burgeoning research on the human microbiome is facilitating the development of more mechanistically driven probiotics. Charles Schmidt investigates a smattering of probiotic- and microbiota-modifying therapeutic opportunities arising from commercial efforts.
FDA approvals hit a new high mark in 2012, with a December flurry of approvals. Orphan and fast-track drugs showed strong in the list. Randy Osborne reports.
