Novartis cell-culture influenza virus vaccine wins FDA nod

The manufacturing method used for Flucelvax vaccine, indicated for adults of 18 years of age or older, allows for quicker vaccine production.

Cell-culture technology requires well-characterized mammalian cell line for the growth of viral strains which eliminates the need of a large number of fertilized chicken eggs.

Additionally as the vaccine production occurs in a closed, hygienic, controlled environment, the risk of possible impurities can be considerably reduced.

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics division head Andrin Oswald said, "Modern cell-culture technology will likely become the new standard for influenza vaccine production and we are proud to lead the way."

Once the Holly Springs facility in the US is set for commercial production, it will begin manufacturing Flucelvax that is free from preservatives including thimerosal, or antibiotics.

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, preventive medicine chairman and professor of medicine Dr. William Schaffner said, "Annual influenza vaccination is an important public health measure that helps protect thousands of people from illness and death each year."