Novartis Gets German Approval for Celtura Flu Vaccine

Novartis has received approval from the German regulatory authorities for its adjuvanted cell culture-based influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine, Celtura.

Clinical trials of the drug were carried out in more than 1,850 individuals across all age groups and showed strong efficacy in inducing immune responses associated with protection against influenza, Novartis said.

Celtura uses a cell culture line for the production of viral antigen components instead of traditional chicken eggs.

Novartis is still pursuing registration for Celtura in other countries including Switzerland and Japan.