Novartis, Synthetic Genomics enter into agreement to expedite influenza vaccine production

Novartis on Thursday announced itentered into an agreement with Synthetic Genomics Vaccines to apply "synthetic genomics" technologies to accelerate the production of influenza seed strains. Novartis said that the three-year agreement could reduce vaccine development time by up to two months.
Under the deal, which was supported by an award from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Novartis and Synthetic Genomics will work to develop a "bank" of synthetically constructed seed viruses ready to go into production once the World Health Organization identifies a new, relevant influenza strain.
Rino Rappuoli, head of research at Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, noted that the bank could be ready as early as next year. While the initiative will focus on identifying pandemic influenza vaccine candidates, Rappuoli noted that the seasonal influenza programme may also benefit from the collaboration.

Reference Articles
Novartis, Craig Venter to create synthetic vaccines - (Bloomberg)
Novartis taps Craig Venter for faster flu shots - (FinanzNachrichten)
Novartis, Synthetic Genomics in flu vaccine deal - (Marketplace)
Novartis announces agreement to develop influenza vaccines using revolutionary "synthetic genomics" technology - (Novartis)
Novartis signs deal with Synthetic Genomics to develop influenza vaccines - (Stock Markets Review)

**Published in "First Word"