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.

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.

Sinovac Biotech is one of the top pharmaceutical companies that has a swine flu vaccine being tested with possible production starting in September. Since the first swine flu symptoms were reported in Mexico in April 2009, Sinovac Biotech stock has jumped over 200% exceeding analyst expectations. How much higher can Sinovac Biotech share price go?

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?

The competitive advantage from top pharmaceutical companies has also been mimicked by the top biotech companies as the industry emerges as a leading player in the swine flu research. The swine flu pandemic is now recognized as one of the most profitable opportunities ever encountered by healthcare sector.

Baxter International completed the production of its first commercial batches of CELVAPAN swine flu vaccine in late July and is discussing plans for distribution with national health authorities, subject to obtaining appropriate authorizations. Due to the global scale of the swine flu pandemic, Baxter has partnered with top pharmaceutical companies to enhance their potential product offerings.

CSL was one of the first to produce a flu vaccine and with potential contracts with the Australian government to supply 90% of its vaccine orders as well as orders form the US government totalling $180 million (US dollars); it makes CSL a very attractive investment choice. Howeve, CSL management has struggled to convert their achievements into profit, so CSL share price has remained stagnant for over 18 months.

BioSante´s innovative vaccine adjuvant and delivery system, BioVant, can increase the effectiveness of flu vaccines, including for the new swine flu vaccine. However, these results are based on per-clinical trials and BioSante’s achievements in this area are still on a research and development level.