Baxter produces first batches of A/H1N1 pandemic vaccine

Baxter has announced that it completed production of its first commercial batches of CELVAPAN A/H1N1 vaccine last month and is now involved in discussions regarding the drug’s distribution with health authorities.

Initial quantities of the vaccine, which is made using the company’s proprietary Vero cell culture technology, will be delivered to bodies that have pandemic agreements with Baxter.

These organisations placed orders for CELVAPAN after the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated the pandemic alert level to phase six.

Dr Margaret Chan, director general of WHO, announced the shift from phase five to phase six in a statement issued on June 11th.

Joy Amundson, corporate vice-president and president of Baxter BioScience, said that the company is “pleased” to be able to meet its expected timelines in the development and production of the vaccine.

“This is an encouraging validation of our science, our Vero cell vaccine technology and the teamwork at Baxter in meeting this important milestone to help address an urgent public health issue,” she added.