New York Times: A Biotech Evangelist Seeks a Zika Dividend
“…Until recently, [Randal J.] Kirk, 62, was a relatively unknown, self-made billionaire, buying up or investing in companies in the biotech world. So when Intrexon acquired the British company Oxitec last summer, it attracted little attention as he extended his reach into genetically modified insects. But that move has thrust Mr. Kirk into the forefront of a scramble to control the Zika virus, suspected of causing babies to be born with tiny heads and damaged brains…” (Pollack, 3/5).

Wall Street Journal: Drugmakers Scramble to Find Zika Vaccine
“…About 15 companies are working on Zika vaccines, most in the initial stages, according to the World Health Organization. Among the more advanced are some in development by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Bharat Biotech International Pvt. Ltd. in India, said Marie-Paule Kieny, the WHO’s assistant director-general for health systems and innovation. She predicted it would take at least 18 months for large-scale trials to get under way…” (McKay/Loftus, 3/6).