The current outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) is testing pandemic preparedness strategies across the globe. While widely implemented strategies seem to have prepared the world better than ever before for such an outbreak, important gaps regarding the logistics of drug and vaccine distribution remain.

London, Monday 11 May 2009. Food prices fell 1.2% from March to April and were up just 7.6% on the previous year - the slowest increase so far in 2009. The data, based on Verdict Consulting's monthly Food Price Tracker, indicates that food inflation may finally have peaked, something that will be welcomed by hard-pressed shoppers.

The current retail downturn is not simply a temporary side-effect of the recession, says Verdict Research, part of the Datamonitor Group, in its latest UK set of forecasts* to the year 2013, but the mid-point of a lengthy reform of the retail market.

In recent years, Pharma has begun to adapt its business model in response to growing industry constraints and the decline of primary-care focused blockbuster therapy. This process of change has recently been disrupted by unprecedented challenges caused by the global economic downturn and President Obama's planned overhaul of the US healthcare system

The G20 summit's long-term impact is unclear, with the conclusion offering a broad statement of intent rather than immediate or novel solutions to the recessionary malaise affecting nations around the world. Players in the consumer markets must determine what was offered, both in terms of changes affecting business conduct, and those that could have an impact on consumer confidence and finances.