Novartis has received a positive opinion supporting European Union approval of its cell culture-derived seasonal influenza vaccine Optaflu, which is aiming to become the first influenza vaccine to utilize a mammalian cell line, rather than chicken eggs, for antigen production.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), which reviews applications for all 27 countries in the EU as well as Iceland and Norway, has recommended approval of this new vaccine. The European Commission generally follows the recommendations of the CHMP and delivers its final decision within two to three months.

"Novartis Vaccines is pleased with this positive recommendation for Optaflu, the first cell culture-derived influenza vaccine and the first major innovation in influenza vaccine manufacturing in more than 50 years," said Dr Jörg Reinhardt, CEO of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. "Optaflu contributes to meeting the growing demand for seasonal influenza vaccines, and this production technology offers the potential for quick scale-up of manufacturing in the event of an influenza pandemic."

A submission is anticipated in 2008 for US regulatory approval of this cell culture-derived seasonal influenza vaccine.

More than 3,400 people received Optaflu during the clinical development program evaluating the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity. Data reviewed by CHMP from the clinical program showed Optaflu fulfilled all of the Committee's immunogenicity criteria.

The data further showed the cell culture-derived influenza vaccine was comparable to conventional egg-based vaccines in efficacy and tolerability. Additives, such as antibiotics, are avoided in the Optaflu production process. Additionally, people allergic to eggs and egg products can benefit from receiving this vaccine since it is created without egg proteins.

Like established conventional egg-based vaccines, Optaflu is administered via intramuscular injection. Data from the phase III clinical program were presented at the Influenza Vaccines for the World Congress (IVW) meeting in October 2006.