Novartis’ Flucelvax cell-culture influenza virus vaccine has received FDA approval for use in adults aged 18 or older.
Flucelvax is an influenza vaccine based on cell-culture technology, the first vaccine of its type to be approved in the US, and does not contain any preservatives or antibiotics.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The cell-culture manufacturing technology requires well-characterised mammalian cells for the growth of virus strains instead of chicken eggs used in the traditional egg-based production method.
Novartis vaccines and diagnostics division head Andrin Oswald said the approval of Flucelvax brings an innovative vaccine to the US.
"Modern cell-culture technology will likely become the new standard for influenza vaccine production and we are proud to lead the way," Oswald said.
See Also:
As the full-scale technology occurs in a closed, sterile, controlled environment, the risk of potential impurities can be minimised in this method.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataOnce the Holly Springs facility gets set for full-scale commercial production, it will start the production of Flucelvax.
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, professor of medicine and preventive medicine chairman Dr William Schaffner said the availability of a cell-culture vaccine will ensure company’s readiness for seasonal influenza, as well as a potential pandemic.
"Annual influenza vaccination is an important public health measure that helps protect thousands of people from illness and death each year," Schaffner said.
Image: Novartis Flucelvax is the only influenza vaccine of its kind in the US. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Hecht.
