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| | | | Novartis releases Fluvirin® influenza virus vaccine to US distributors Aug 16th 2006
Novartis announced today the delivery and release of its first shipments of Fluvirin® influenza virus vaccine to the United States for the 2006-2007 influenza season, with continued shipments expected to follow through the end of the year. 
Ensuring a reliable and safe supply of Fluvirin for the United States is a top priority for Novartis Vaccines, and it is very rewarding to have been able to provide products early in the vaccination season to help jump-start immunizations. We plan to maintain a continuous supply during the vaccination season, said Joerg Reinhardt, CEO of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics.
A dependable flu vaccine supply is critical for public health authorities to increase vaccination rates aimed at protecting more people from the threat of seasonal influenza. We intend to continue providing leadership and innovation in influenza vaccines through both our traditional flu vaccine operations as well as flu cell culture vaccines in development, Reinhardt said.
The US Food and Drug Administration s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) released in early August the first lots of Fluvirin vaccine, positioning it to become the first trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV), or flu shot, available this year. The lots delivered and released to distributors this week correspond to more than one million doses of Fluvirin vaccine.
Novartis Vaccines intends to deliver the majority of its Fluvirin vaccine production by the end of October, with additional shipments expected through the end of 2006.
The recently expanded vaccination recommendations highlight the importance of getting vaccinated prior to - and even at the onset - of the flu season to help reduce transmission of influenza to those who are most vulnerable, said John Vavricka, head of North America for Novartis Vaccines.
Annual immunization against the flu is the best way to protect individuals, their families and those with whom they have contact from influenza and to reduce the toll in mortality, suffering, and lost productivity. We are hopeful that a robust vaccine supply this season will lead to improved vaccination rates, particularly for caregivers of young children as well as healthcare providers and those who come in contact with people in high-risk groups, Vavricka said.
Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Although the flu season can begin earlier, it usually starts in December, peaks in January or February, and continues through March. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while October and November are traditionally the primary vaccination months, vaccination in December or later is still recommended for those who are not vaccinated earlier. Influenza vaccination not only helps to decrease the risk of influenza and its complications for the vaccine recipient but can also reduce the risk of the virus spreading to those who come in contact with vaccinated people.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an advisory body of the CDC s National Immunization Program (NIP), issued updated recommendations for influenza vaccination in July 2006 calling for vaccination of the following groups:
People at high risk for influenza-related complications and severe disease, including:
- Children age 6-59 months
- Pregnant women
- People age 50 years or older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live with or care for people in the high-risk groups listed above, including:
- People in households who have frequent contact with people at high risk and who can transmit influenza to these people
Healthcare workers
Fluvirin vaccine is not indicated for children younger than age 4.
In an average year in the United States, influenza causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations and kills approximately 36,000 people, primarily in the over-65 population. Together, influenza and pneumonia are the seventh leading cause of death in the country, killing more people than any other infectious diseases. The annual direct medical costs of influenza are estimated at USD 3 billion to USD 5 billion. Total direct and indirect costs, including lost work days, of a severe flu epidemic could be as high as USD 12 billion to USD 14 billion.
Update on European influenza vaccine supply
According to the recent announcement by the European Vaccines Manufacturers (EVM), production of influenza vaccines for the 2006-2007 will be delayed due to low yields associated with the new H3N2 strains provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). The delays have affected the manufacturing campaigns for all European influenza vaccine producers. Deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in September and October, with the bulk of vaccines expected to become available later in the traditional vaccination season.
About influenza and influenza vaccines
Influenza, a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, affects the respiratory tract, often resulting in cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, and muscle aches. It can also lead to complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.
Influenza vaccination usually provides protection from influenza within about two weeks of administration. An annual vaccine closely matched to the circulating strains of influenza protects about 70% to 90% of healthy adults who are vaccinated from contracting influenza. Vaccinated people who do contract influenza generally develop milder cases than those who have not received the vaccine. Among elderly nursing home residents, the flu shot can help prevent cases and deaths from the flu.
Influenza vaccines are updated each year to address changes in the viruses. Traditional flu shots are made from viruses that have been inactivated (killed), while the nasally delivered vaccine is made with live attenuated influenza viruses. The influenza vaccine for the 2006-2007 season contains the A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like, A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like and B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like influenza virus antigens.
Several influenza vaccines are available in the US. Each vaccine has its own specific indications, contraindications and side effects. Before vaccination, people should consult their healthcare providers to determine if they have any conditions precluding them from receiving a vaccine.
Important safety information for Fluvirin influenza virus vaccine
The most common side effect of vaccination with Fluvirin vaccine is soreness at the injection site. Less common side effects include fever, malaise, myalgia and allergic reactions. Fluvirin vaccine should not be administered to anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including eggs, egg products or thimerosal. As is the case with most drugs and vaccines, there is a chance that a serious allergic reaction, serious illness or even death could occur as a result of vaccination with Fluvirin vaccine. Generally, persons should not be vaccinated during an acute febrile illness. Vaccination should be delayed in persons with an active, unstable neurological disorder, but should be considered when the disorder has been stabilized.
The occurrence of any neurological symptoms or signs following administration of any vaccine is a contraindication to further use. Fluvirin vaccine is not indicated for use in children under four years of age. Persons should consult with their healthcare providers if they are pregnant and/or are taking other medications. Fluvirin vaccine may not protect 100% of individuals who are susceptible to influenza. Before administering Fluvirin vaccine, please see full prescribing information.
Novartis International AG http://www.novartis.com
Aug 16th 2006
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