ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Novavax Inc. said Wednesday it will work with Xcellerex Inc. to increase production of a potential swine flu vaccine.
Novavax is seeking approval in Mexico for a vaccine that fights the 2009 swine flu strain. It said Xcellerex will make the vaccine in greater quantities and assist in development. Rockville, Md.-based Novavax is conducting clinical studies in Mexico, and said the collaboration will allow it to meet potential demand for the vaccine.
Novavax will pay manufacturing supply fees to Xcellerex.
Novavax says its vaccine can be grown in weeks instead of the months it takes to make a traditional vaccine. Most flu vaccines are grown inside chicken eggs, but Novavax uses different production technology. Its vaccines are made with genetically engineered virus-like particles, which resemble a virus but do not have the genetic material a virus needs to reproduce itself.
Novavax does not expect U.S. approval of its vaccines for at least a few years.
In premarket trading, Novavax stock rose 12 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $3.97.