Novartis launches new influenza vaccine

Novartis has announced the release of a new influenza virus vaccine, in time for the 2006-2007 influenza season.

The drug, Flurivin, is to be released in the US with shipments to continue afterwards till the end of next year. The launch follows successful distribution from the Centre for Biolics Evaluation and Research early in August, which made the drug the first trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine – or flu shot – available this year.

Manufacturers state that delivery and distribution of the drug will allow over one million doses of the vaccine to be provided.

Joerg Reinhardt, a spokesperson for Novartis, commented: “A dependable flu vaccine supply is critical for public health authorities to increase vaccination rates aimed at protecting more people from the threat of seasonal influenza.

“We intend to continue providing leadership and innovation in influenza vaccines through both our traditional flu vaccine operations as well as flu cell culture vaccines in development.”

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus and is a contagious disease that affects the respiratory tract. Vaccination provides protection from the disease around two weeks after it has been administered and annual vaccines can protect between 70 to 90 per cent of healthy adult patients.

Meanwhile, European distribution of influenza vaccines has been delayed according to the European Vaccines Manufacturers, which recently announced that low yields of H3N2 strains could lead to vaccines prevented from distribution until later in the vaccination season.

Flu seasons usually begin in December and then peaks in the first couple of months in the year, culminating in March. People over the age of 65, those who have poor immunity and people with conditions like diabetes have all been advised to seek vaccinations, since they are all at higher risk during influenza epidemics.

© Adfero Ltd