This project is part of a contract awarded in 2005 by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the development of a new cell culture- based influenza vaccine. Phase II trials involving healthy adult volunteers in the US will focus further on the safety profile and immunogenicity of the cell-based vaccine.
This vaccine was developed using the PER.C6 cell line, licensed from Dutch biotechnology company Crucell. PER.C6 Cell technology offers Sanofi Pasteur a promising and reliable production method for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines in addition to traditional, proven egg-based production, the company said.