Novartis licences reverse genetics technology for influenza vaccines

Novartis has licensed reverse genetics technology from MedImmune for use in the development and production of influenza vaccines.

Reverse genetics is a scientific process by which influenza and other viruses can be generated from sections of DNA, with this technology potentially useful for drug producers working with highly-infectious pandemic virus strains.

Through the use of this technology, manufacturers need not work directly with H5N1 and other highly-infectious drugs, but can instead work with segments of the genome of the virus, with this procedure used by most pharmaceutical suppliers and government agencies.

Jonathan Klein-Evans, vice-president of intellectual property at MedImmune, said: “With each new license that expands access to this important technology, the world is advancing its pandemic preparedness as we apply new tools such as reverse genetics to improve and streamline the influenza vaccine development process.”

He added that the firm has now entered into license agreements for its patented technology with three market leaders in the development and manufacturing of influenza vaccines.

In May 2007, Novartis reported that its influenza vaccine Focetria – designed for use after the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organisation – had been approved for use in the European Union.