Novartis produces first batch of swine flu vaccine

However, it's not being made – yet – at the new vaccine plant the company is building in Holly Springs. It's being produced in Germany.

The vaccine was made in cells, rather than grown in eggs as is usually the case with vaccines, the company said.

The 10-litre batch "will be used for pre-clinical evaluation and testing and is also being considered for use in clinical trials."

"This achievement is also a testament to the technical skills and innovation of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics people and our partners," he added. "I believe it highlights our reputation as a leader in influenza vaccine research, development and production."

The announcement comes a day after the World Health Organization declared swine flu, also known as A(H1N1), a pandemic. The move indicates that a global outbreak is under way. WHO says drugmakers will likely have vaccines approved and ready for sale after September.

The vaccine was produced at a Novartis plant in Marburg, Germany. Novartis said the facility could potentially produce millions of doses of vaccine a week.

Novartis said more than 30 governments have requested vaccine supplies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, which placed a $289 million order in May.

The company noted that development of Novartis' cell-based influenza vaccine and construction of the cell-based influenza manufacturing facility in Holly Springs is being supported by funding from the U.S. government.

Novartis said more than 300 people would work at the plant by 2012. The plant will be used to develop a new flu vaccine using cell cultures. Existing vaccines are derived from eggs, which can take up to nine months to produce and are susceptible to the avian flu virus.