SVGI is a new company formed by Synthetic Genomics and the not-for-profit research institute, the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).
As per the pact, Novartis and SGVI will jointly work to develop a ‘bank’ of synthetically constructed seed viruses ready to go into production as soon as WHO identifies the flu strains.
Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Research head Rino Rappuoli said that they are pleased to work in collaboration with Craig Venter and SGVI to study and develop this promising and important new synthetic genomics technology. It has the potential to safely reduce the time needed to develop new vaccines and improve pre-pandemic preparedness.