Since the first swine flu symptoms invaded the media, Antigenics share price has increased 300%, not because of their relationship to the swine flu virus but because of the expectation of Oncophage Antigenics, the cancer vaccine. The first flu vaccine containing their patented QS21 adjuvant could reach the market and provide revenues to Antigenic by 2012.

Inovio has two flu vaccines at late stages of the product pipeline. Their VGX-3400 and its universal influenza vaccine have also shown positive results during development and trial stages. However, other companies like AVI BioPharma (AVII) and Antigenics (AGEN) might win the race for the first swine flu vaccine

With a micro-injection influenza vaccine currently in phase II of development, Sanofi Adventis has the capability to develop the first swine flu vaccine. To supply the new swine flu virus at a global scale, companies like Sanofi Aventis may join efforts with other top pharmaceutical companies like AVI Biopharma (AVII), Pure Bioscience (PURE), Roche (RHHBY) and Antigenics (AGEN).

With advanced orders from the UK government for over 60 million doses of its swine flu vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline UK is preparing to sell £3bn worth of swine flu drugs this year. Glaxo is Britain’s biggest pharmaceutical supplier and has deals with world governments for its antiviral treatment Relenza, which can relieve swine flu symptoms. Is that good enough to consider this company as an investment option?