Novartis Announces Beginning of Shipment of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines to US Market for '14-'15 Season

Novartis (NYSE: NVS) announced today thatit has begun shipment of its seasonal influenza vaccines to customers in theUS market for the 2014-2015 season. Novartis plans to ship a minimum of 30million doses of vaccines (Flucelvax^® [Influenza Virus Vaccine] andFluvirin^® [Influenza Virus Vaccine]) to the US market in advance of the peakof influenza season. Vaccines can be obtained at pharmacy retailers,wholesalers and distributors across the US. Novartis is the only influenzavaccine manufacturer to use production technologies based on cell-culture(Flucelvax) as well as eggs (Fluvirin)."At Novartis, we are pleased to contribute with solutions to help address thissignificant health need by providing vaccines that help protect againstseasonal influenza," said Brent MacGregor, President of US Vaccines and Headof Region North America. "Our vaccines are scheduled to be available in timeto begin use prior to the start of the influenza season."Flucelvax, which is approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older, ismanufactured with cell-culture technology, a modern, alternative productionmethod for influenza vaccines to the traditional egg-based productionmethod^2,3. This manufacturing technology was the first major breakthrough ininfluenza vaccine production in 40 years, with the potential for rapidresponse to urgent public health needs, such as a pandemic, within weeks^4.Pandemic vaccine production can be started on demand and can be escalated tolarge volumes to help address influenza virus outbreak challenges^5. Flucelvaxdoes not contain preservatives or antibiotics^2."Seasonal influenza is a major public health concern that can lead tohospitalization and even death," said Dr. William Schaffner, professor ofmedicine and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn."The CDC recommends annual seasonal influenza vaccination as the best way tohelp protect against this potentially serious disease."The CDC recommends routine seasonal influenza vaccination for all individuals6 months of age and older^6. Flucelvax is indicated for persons 18 years andolder. Fluvirin is indicated for persons 4 years and older. According to theCDC, high-risk groups should especially ensure that they are vaccinated,including people younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2years of age); people 65 years and older; pregnant women; and people who livewith or care for others who are at high risk of developing seriouscomplications^6.