Abstract: Currently, the steps performed prior to release of influenza strains to vaccine manufacturers involve passaging influenza virus through eggs. The invention aims to provide procedures useful in manufacturing influenza vaccines, in which the use of eggs is reduced, and preferably is avoided altogether. For instance, rather than use chicken eggs for influenza vaccine isolation, MDCK cells (Madin Darby canine kidney cells) may be used e.g. growing in suspension, growing in a serum-free medium, growing in a protein-free medium, being non-tumorigenic, grown in the absence of an overlay medium, etc.

Abstract: Vaccines of the invention include at least four influenza virus strains. In some embodiments, the vaccines are produced in cell culture rather than in eggs. In some embodiments, the vaccines include an adjuvant. In some embodiments, the vaccines are not split or whole virion vaccines, but are live or purified glycoprotein vaccines. In some embodiments, the vaccines contain substantially the same mass of hemagglutinin (HA) for each of the influenza virus strains. In some embodiments, the four strains will include two influenza A virus strains and two influenza B virus strains (‘A-A-B-B’). In other embodiments, the four strains will include three influenza A virus strains and one influenza B virus strain (‘A-A-A-B’).

Abstract: Currently, the steps performed prior to release of influenza strains to vaccine manufacturers involve passaging influenza virus through eggs. The invention aims to provide procedures useful in manufacturing influenza vaccines, in which the use of eggs is reduced, and preferably is avoided altogether. For instance, rather than use chicken eggs for influenza vaccine isolation, MDCK cells (Madin Darby canine kidney cells) may be used e.g. growing in suspension, growing in a serum-free medium, growing in a protein-free medium, being non-tumorigenic, grown in the absence of an overlay medium, etc.

Abstract: Currently, the steps performed prior to release of influenza strains to vaccine manufacturers involve passaging influenza virus through eggs. The invention aims to provide procedures useful in manufacturing influenza vaccines, in which the use of eggs is reduced, and preferably is avoided altogether. For instance, rather than use chicken eggs for influenza vaccine isolation, MDCK cells (Madin Darby canine kidney cells) may be used e.g. growing in suspension, growing in a serum-free medium, growing in a protein-free medium, being non-tumorigenic, grown in the absence of an overlay medium, etc.