Merck's Likely Non-Profit Effort To Vaccinate Against Ebola -- Kudos!

As our national day of thanks approaches, I'll thank Mr. Frazier and Whitehouse Station for agreeing to spend perhaps $500 million over the next five years vaccinating Africa against Ebola.

Of course, the rVSV-EBOV approach developed by NewLink still has to be shown to be effective -- and safe. But I suspect it will be. The question has always been about finding the money (and willpower) to do it. Here's a bit -- do go read it all, at SFGate.com:

. . . .[Merck] has entered a global partnership with a small U.S. drug developer to research and manufacture a potential Ebola vaccine now in initial patient testing.

The exclusive deal involves rVSV-EBOV, a vaccine candidate under early development by BioProtection Systems, the vaccine-development subsidiary of NewLink Genetics Corp. of Ames, Iowa. . . .

I may be scarce for the balance of the week -- enjoy your family time, one and all. And please keep the peaceful law-abiding people of Ferguson, Mizzou in your thoughts, prayers and meditations. I know I will.