Novartis Ships Fluvirin® Influenza Virus Vaccine with three new strains for the 2008-2009 influenza season

Novartis begins shipment to US of Fluvirin® Influenza Virus Vaccine with three new strains for the 2008-2009 influenza season

• Delivery of Fluvirin supports planning and scheduling of public health influenza vaccination efforts

• At least 20 million doses available by the end of September, when widespread vaccination campaigns usually begin

• Additional manufacturing capacity recently approved by FDA for Fluvirin pre-filled syringes

Basel, August 7, 2008 - Novartis announced today that it started shipments of its Fluvirin® Influenza Virus Vaccine to US health care facilities and practitioners for the 2008/2009 influenza season.

The company is producing up to 40 million doses of Fluvirin, with the World Health Organization recommended change in all three virus strains included in the influenza vaccine composition[1]. This year's influenza vaccine contains the following three strains of the influenza virus:

• A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus (A/Brisbane/59/2007 IVR-148)
• A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus (A/Uruguay/716/2007 NYMC X-175C)
• B/Florida/4/2006-like virus (B/Florida/4/2006)

Novartis expects to deliver at least 20 million doses by the end of September, when widespread vaccination campaigns usually begin, and strives to ship the remainder by October 31.

More Information.

Tags: influenza Vaccine, Novartis, Fluvirin