AstraZeneca Swine Flu (NYSE: AZN, LSE: AZN.L)

 

AstraZeneca’s swine flu research is continuing to combat the mutating forms of the swine flu virus. AstraZeneca’s MedImmune biotechnology unit has won an initial $90 million order from the U.S. government.

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The government is financing the production of a live attenuated swine flu vaccine against the new H1N1 virus also known as the influenza virus.

 

AstraZeneca’s continuing efforts to produce and distribute the first swine flu vaccine may force it to join venture with top biotech companies participating in the swine flu research.

 

Only a few companies have the edge in technology, and some of them have a swine flu vaccine in the first and second phase of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials.

 

Some of the top swine flu biotech companies include: AVI Biopharma (AVII), Quidel Corporation (QDEL), Novavax (NVAX), BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX) and Dynavax Technologies (DVAX). Swine flu antiviral medication is also being developed along with the swine flu vaccine.

 

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AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals - Company Overview

 

Astra Zeneca Plc. is one of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies with a world-class biologics capability. They are active in over 100 countries with a growing presence in important emerging markets including China.

 

Their headquarters is based in London, UK, and their major R&D sites are located in Sweden, the UK and the US. AstraZeneca pharmaceuticals focus on six areas including cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, infection, neuroscience and respiratory & inflammation.

 

With strong science and commercial skills, Astrazeneca sales in 2008 totalled $31.6 billion (US Dollars).

 

astrazeneca_logo-smallAstraZeneca Production Capabilities

 

With large production capabilities and research Astra Zeneca is a leader in the development, production and distribution divisions.

 

Astrazeneca is estimating to have the ability to deliver 40 million doses in sprayers by March 2010, with the possibility of production of 200 million with other methods of delivery.

 

With a shortage of nasal sprayers Astra Zeneca is developing alternative delivery methods including pills and injections.