Novartis announced a collaboration with Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc. to “combine synthetic biology and genome sequencing capabilities with leading edge vaccine technology to create more flexible processes to generate influenza seed viruses, with the aim to speed up influenza vaccine production.” The three-year agreement is supported by a BARDA award. The anno8uncement noted that “currently Novartis and other vaccines companies rely on the WHO to identify and distribute live reference viruses to create seasonal or pandemic vaccines. Under this collaboration, Novartis and SGVI will work to develop a “bank” of synthetically constructed seed viruses ready to go into production as soon as WHO identifies the flu strains. The technology could reduce the vaccine production time by up to two months, which is particularly critical in the event of a pandemic.”

Rino Rappuoli, Head of Research for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, said, “Our research strategy has always been to apply new vaccine technologies and innovation to deliver better prevention methods and meet patient needs. We are pleased to work in collaboration with Craig Venter and SGVI to study and develop this promising and important new synthetic genomics technology. It has the potential to safely reduce the time needed to develop new vaccines and improve pre-pandemic preparedness.”

Novartis said it “plans to test vaccines that could potentially result from this new approach in large-scale clinical trials. Review and approval from country health authorities will be obtained before any commercial use.”

http://www.novartis.com/newsroom/media-releases/en/2010/1449685.shtml