Companies update progress on swine flu vaccines

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) said on Friday it completed the production of the first batch of 10 liters of a swine influenza A (H1N1) vaccine using its cell-based manufacturing technology. The technology, the pharma said, allowed it to complete the batch "weeks ahead of expectations." The vaccine will now enter preclinical testing, with clinical trials slated to begin in July. The pharma said more than 30 governments have made vaccine supply requests to Novartis for cell-based and egg-based antigen and the company's MF59 adjuvant. Last month, HHS placed a $288.8 million order (See BioCentury Extra, Friday, May 22, 2009).

Also on Friday, Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) said it had completed testing of the H1N1 virus and is now in full-scale production of a commercial vaccine using its Vero cell culture technology. The company expects to have a vaccine for use as early as July. ...