The FDA licensed pharmaceutical firm Novartis’ Holly Springs location Monday to produce cell-culture influenza vaccines.
This is the first U.S. facility of its kind and will produce enough flu vaccine to combat a pandemic.
The Holly Springs facility is a joint partnership between Novartis (NYSE: NVS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, which will allow us to deliver on our public health and health security commitments,” said Andrin Oswald, division head, Novartis Vaccines.
“Cell-culture technology is the first major advancement in influenza vaccine production in the U.S. in more than 40 years,” Oswald added.
Cell-culture technology is better than traditional influenza vaccine production because it doesn’t contain any antibiotics, preservatives and manufacturers can develop large amounts of the vaccine at one time.
“With this award-winning, state-of-the-art facility, we will be able to not only offer U.S. consumers an antibiotic- and preservative-free alternative for the yearly seasonal flu vaccination, but also be better prepared for future pandemic threats,” said Oswald.
