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Partnership aims to enhance flu vaccine access

24 Feb 2009

A license agreement confirmed between Nobilon - the human vaccine business unit of Schering-Plough - and the World Health Organization (WHO) will aim to provide the technology for manufacturing a flu pandemic vaccine to developing countries.

Announced this week, the venture will see the former responsible for developing, registering, making and selling influenza vaccines produced on embryonic chicken eggs.

Nobilon was established in 2003 and is based in the Netherlands.

The egg-based system has been chosen for this process because it requires less capital investment but produces higher yields and is easier to transfer.

WHO, within its Global Vaccine Action Plan framework, will be granted a sub-license to supply developing countries with the product.

"This project demonstrates Schering-Plough''s strong commitment to innovation and to providing access to medicines," said chairman and chief executive officer Fred Hassan.

He added preparation for a flu pandemic was a health priority for the whole world.