Experimental Batch of ‘Swine Flu’ Vaccine Completed Weeks Earlier Than Expected

Drug maker Novartis AG reportedly has produced the first experimental batch of a vaccine to prevent spread of the novel H1N1 influenza strain, several weeks earlier than officials had said the new drug would be ready.

It is welcome news in the fight against the deadly flu strain as world health officials declare a pandemic, with 30,000 cases reported in 74 nations and 145 deaths blamed on the sickness.

In the United States, there are nearly 18,000 confirmed cases and 45 deaths associated with the flu, but officials caution that the actual number of those infected could be much higher – possibly 100,000 people – since many of those infected may be experiencing mild flu symptoms that are not being treated or reported to health officials.

The Novartis vaccine will use the first batch of vaccine for evaluation and testing to determine whether it is safe and effective for use in people. The company said it can produce millions of doses of the vaccine per week once full-scale production begins.

The U.S. and 29 other governments around the world already have placed orders for the vaccine, officials said. Other drug companies, including GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi-Aventis, also are working on creating H1N1 flu vaccines.

It is expected that doses of vaccines from several drug companies may be available by September, just as U.S. officials begin to brace for the winter flu season. It is feared that the H1N1 strain of influenza may come roaring back then and produce stronger, more deadly symptoms.

For the most part, so far the virus has produced only mild to moderate flu symptoms people who are otherwise healthy. However, people with asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other underlying health problems have died or developed more severe symptoms, officials said.

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