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 best seller Quidel Influenza Test, Quidel Corp. share price has increased over 80% since April 2009. Recognized as one of the best distributors of the top pharmaceutical companies, Quidel Corp. is looking to emerge as a leading player in the early detection of one of the fastest growing epidemics, the swine flu.

The 500% plus increase of Novavax share price since the swine flu symptoms invaded the media, puts this company at the peak of the high-yielding list of stocks to watch, but also, at the highest risk. For how much longer will Novavax Pharmaceuticals be able to sustain the share price?

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.

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.

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).

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.

Strategic alliances are present in businesses throughout the world. Beneficial to both parties involved, these alliances are becoming common in the healthcare industry as the global scale of the swine flu pandemic requires team work and joint efforts.