Update on Anthrax Vaccine

In light of the FDA's recent approval of the anthrax vaccine for use to prevent inhalation anthrax, Judge Sullivan has lifted his preliminary injunction against the military's administration of the vaccine to nonconsenting soldiers. His two-page order calls the timing of the FDA's approval "suspicious," but says that the approval addresses the "principal reason" for issuance of the preliminary injunction.

Apparently, however, this was just one skirmish in what may be a longer war. The lawyers who brought the litigation say they will continue to press for a permanent injunction, because the vaccine's proponents rely largely on animal studies whose validity they question. The lawyers also say they will seek class certification.