Novartis announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has granted prequalification for all three of its influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccines for supply to United Nations (UN) agencies: the cell culture-based and MF59® adjuvanted vaccine Celtura®, the egg-based and MF59 adjuvanted vaccine Focetria® as well as the egg-based A(H1N1) vaccine manufactured using the seasonal Fluvirin® platform. In addition to granting prequalified status for Novartis three influenza A(H1N1) 2009 vaccines, WHO has also granted prequalification for the companyÂs trivalent seasonal Fluvirin® vaccine.
WHO prequalification facilitates purchasing through UN agencies and thus enhances access for developing world countries to Novartis A(H1N1) 2009 vaccines that meet unified standards of quality and safety. Novartis has worked closely with WHO under WHOÂs expedited procedure for evaluating pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 vaccines to ensure rapid prequalification of its A(H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccines.
ÂWith WHO prequalification for all three of our A(H1N1) 2009 vaccines, we have expanded our commitment to contribute to the prevention of A(H1N1) 2009 influenza in all countries around the world, said Andrin Oswald, CEO of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics.
Prequalification of the adjuvanted vaccines is an important milestone to increase vaccine supply due to the proven antigen and dose sparing potential of the MF59 adjuvant. It is the only oil-in-water adjuvant supported by more than 12 years of post-marketing safety data that includes commercial distribution of more than 45 million doses. The adjuvant has also been studied in randomized clinical trials and observational studies involving 124,000 individuals including children, adults, and elderly; and was first licensed in the seasonal influenza vaccine Fluad® in Italy in 1997. Fluad is currently licensed in Europe for use in individuals 65 years of age and older.
Novartis recognizes the public health need for better access to medicines and vaccines in developing countries. Novartis is working closely with developing countries and international health agencies to find sustainable solutions for effective distribution of essential medicines for diseases such as malaria, meningitis, tuberculosis and leprosy.
About Celtura®
Celtura is an innovative adjuvanted, cell culture-based, inactivated subunit influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons six months of age and older against influenza disease caused by the novel pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza virus. Celtura was approved for use in both Germany and Switzerland in November 2009, and Novartis is also seeking approval in a number of other countries.
About Focetria®
Focetria is an adjuvanted, egg-based, inactivated subunit influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons six months of age and older against influenza disease caused by the novel pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza virus. Focetria was approved by the European Union on September 29, 2009, for use in all 27 member states of the European Union, plus, by extension, in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. It is also licensed in a variety of other countries including Turkey, Switzerland, Tunisia and Croatia.
About Novartis A(H1N1) vaccine from the Fluvirin® platform
This vaccine is an unadjuvanted, egg-based, inactivated subunit influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons four years of age and older against influenza disease caused by the novel pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza virus. The vaccine was approved for use in the US by the US Food and Drug Administration on September 15, 2009.
About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in each of these areas. In 2008, the GroupÂs continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 99,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.