Today’s dose settles the score with Ebola virus. The fight continues, however, over Johnson & Johnson, the European debt crisis, and spreading flu.

— The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is warning pharmaceutical companies that the current debt crisis might lead to higher fees for drug approval applications and other services. Member countries could cut the EMA budget by about 10 million euros ($12 million), says agency chief Thomas Lönngren, and companies would have to make up the deficit. (WSJ via FiercePharma)

— The notorious Ebola virus met its match twice recently: Yesterday, scientists reported 100% survival among monkeys exposed to the virus when they received seven injections of a treatment designed to block viral replication. And just last week, an experimental vaccine also showed 100% effectiveness in monkeys, both for new and old strains of the virus. (Reuters, NPR)

— A ‘phantom recall’ now also lingers over Johnson & Johnson’s manufacturing problems. Yesterday’s hearing brought to light a memo titled “Motrin Purchase Project,” and congressional investigators alleged that a J&J contractor was told to buy up supplies of defective Motrin pills before a recall was announced. A J&J representative at the hearing told the congressional committee she did not know what instructions were given to the contractor. (AP)

— Researchers say the US could be a major pit stop for seasonal flu viruses. While China and Southeast Asia are known to be the origin of many influenza A strains, the US population appears to incubate these viruses for much longer, allowing them to spread to South America and other areas long after introduction. (Reuters)

Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via Wikimedia Commons