[Memo on International Publicity on the Development of Salk Polio Vaccine]

OFICIAL USE Q~

3. The formula and the Francis report are in the public domain.
The formula has been discussed in scientific journals. The mawufacturing know-how, however, is held by private pharmaceutical houses and cannot be transmitted to producers in other countries on a piece of paper.
To be successful, some kind of technical assistance program would be
needed, and it is not certain we are in a position to aupply one. It is
known that some U.S. producers are already in communication with associated
pharmaceutical houses abroad, and it is expected that a substantial amount
of vaccine will be made in foreign countries after about a year has passed.
jl- By that time the United States also may be in a position to export sub.
stantial quantities.
It was the recommendation of the group that if the Polio Foundation
wished to supply copies of the formula and the report to the Department
for transmission to other governments, we would accept them without fanfare and transmit them in a routine manner to the Ministries of Fubli
Health of the other countries as a courtesy copy of scientific information in which they may be interested.

I

IRD: ramble:j g
4/23/55

OFFICIAL USE ONLY.4