Novartis announces agreement to develop influenza vaccines using revolutionary synthetic genomics technology

Novartis announced today an agreement with Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc. (SGVI) to apply “synthetic genomics” technologies to accelerate the production of the influenza seed strains required for vaccine manufacturing. The seed strain is the starter culture of a virus, and is the base from which larger quantities of the vaccine virus can be grown. The three-year agreement, supported by an award from the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), could ultimately lead to a more effective response to seasonal and pandemic flu outbreaks. Currently Novartis and other vaccines companies rely on the WHO to identify and distribute live reference viruses to create seasonal or pandemic vaccines. Under this collaboration, Novartis and SGVI will work to develop a “bank” of synthetically constructed seed viruses ready to go into production as soon as WHO identifies the flu strains. The technology could reduce the vaccine production time by up to two months, which is particularly critical in the event of a pandemic.

Rino Rappuoli, Head of Research for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics said, Our research strategy has always been to apply new vaccine technologies and innovation to deliver better prevention methods and meet patient needs. We are pleased to work in collaboration with Craig Venter and SGVI to study and develop this promising and important new synthetic genomics technology. It has the potential to safely reduce the time needed to develop new vaccines and improve pre-pandemic preparedness.

Dr. Venter, founder and CEO of SGVI said, Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc is pleased to be working with Novartis on this key application of synthetic genomic technology. The Venter Institute has a long and successful history of working with Novartis and we are excited to extend this relationship with SGVI to use the latest advances in our science to improve and enhance vaccine development and production.

Novartis plans to test vaccines that could potentially result from this new approach in large-scale clinical trials. Review and approval from country health authorities will be obtained before any commercial use.

SVGI is a new company formed by Synthetic Genomics Inc and the not-for-profit research institute, the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI). JCVI is currently working to sequence genes representing the diversity of several viruses, including influenza virus, and Novartis has been working with JCVI for more than a decade to apply their findings in the genomics field to develop novel vaccines that prevent disease. The last collaboration introduced the use of genomics in vaccines research, a technology today known as “reverse vaccinology”.

About Synthetic Genomics Technology

Synthetic genomics is a field of science in which genomes are designed using the computer and constructed in the laboratory using chemical techniques. When the genome of a potential influenza vaccine seed virus is synthesized and placed in a suitable cell, the essential starting material for an influenza vaccine can be produced. This technology holds promise to create a fast and flexible process to produce vaccines more rapidly when a new strain emerges.[1]

About Novartis

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics is a division of Novartis, focused on the development of preventive treatments. The division has two businesses: Novartis Vaccines and Novartis Diagnostics. Novartis Vaccines is the world’s fifth-largest vaccines manufacturer and second-largest supplier of flu vaccines in the US. The division’s products also include meningococcal, pediatric and travel vaccines. Novartis Diagnostics, the blood testing and molecular diagnostics business, is dedicated to preventing the spread of infectious diseases through the development of novel blood-screening tools that protect the world’s blood supply.

Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2009, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 44.3 billion, while approximately USD 7.5 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 102,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.