Top Biotech Company AVI BioPharma (AVII), which develops RNA-based treatments for diseases like the Ebola virus, muscular dystrophy and the influenza virus has risen in stock price recently.

Crucell NV is currently developing the only adjuvanted flu vaccine against the influenza virus licensed for all age groups but Crucell stock hasn’t match analyst expectations showing a 20% increase since April 2009.

With two forms of influenza vaccine, BioCryst Pharma has the potential to emerge as one of the world’s top biotech companies in the fight against the swine flu. BioCryst stock has increase 450% since April 2009 reaching the best swine flu stock performed: Novavax NVAX with a 500% plus during the same period.

With their innovative and top selling product, the PFL N95 mask, currently meets both WHO and CDC protection levels in order to project individuals from the spreads of the influenza virus from individuals suffering the swine flu symptoms. Alpha Pro Tech share price has increased 250% since April 2009. More to come?

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

CelSci’s preclinical studies on its Ligand Epitope Antigen Presentation System (LEAPS) have demonstrated that vaccines using this system have the potential to induce protection against the swine flu. Companies like GlazoSmithKline (GSK), AstraZeneca (AZN) and AVI Biopharma (AVII) are also developing alternatives for the swine flu vaccine and cures for the H1N1 virus.

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).

Novartis Pharma emerged as one of the front runners of the swine flu vaccine race when the first experimental batch was released in early June. However, Novartis vaccines don’t represent even a quarter of the earnings so an achievement in the swine flu vaccine shouldn’t create a significant impact over Novartis share price.

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?

AstraZeneca’s swine flu research is continuing to combat the mutating forms of the swine flu 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. Swine stocks to watch: AVI Biopharma (AVII), Quidel Corporation (QDEL), Novavax (NVAX), BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX) and Dynavax Technologies (DVAX).