Novartis produces first batch of swine flu vaccine

(AP) ovartis AG–European drug maker–has successfully completed production of the first batch of H1N1 swine flu vaccine.

The company announced Friday the new version of the vaccine–which was produced weeks ahead of the scheduled time–will be made available in the fall.

The announcement came a day after the World Health Organization declared the first flu pandemic of the 21st century since 1968.

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,” the company said.

It said “more than 30 governments have made requests to Novartis to supply them with influenza A(H1N1) vaccine ingredients.”

The “swine flu” (H1N1) virus has been declared a pandemic because it is spreading in at least two regions of the world with cases in the U.S., Europe, South America, Asia and Australia.

In Australia, the number of swine flu cases rose by more than 1,000 Monday with most occurring in the southern state of Victoria. Rapid spread of the virus in a region beyond North America has been considered a key factor in labeling the outbreak a pandemic.

Since swine flu first emerged in Mexico and the United States in April, it has spread to 74 countries around the globe.