The influenza virus is a pathogen with global prominence - it sweeps rapidly round the world in seasonal epidemics, causing up to half a million deaths. Few other diseases exert such a burden of suffering and economic loss. PharmaVentures' new Spotlight report - of the same name as this title - examines the ramifications of the present pandemic threat and its potential long-term repercussions, viewed from a global healthcare and commercial market perspective. The report covers the background to the virus, deal making and licensing opportunities that have stemmed from the flu threat, potential new treatments and vaccines in development, and the companies and therapies involved.