Like a Jewel of Gold in a Swine’s Snout (AZN, GSK, NVS, SNY, WMT, SVA, CVM, NVAX, RHHBY.PK)

Of the hurdles to overcome in producing a vaccine once the OK is received is the amount of time it takes. This is especially true of an H1N1 strain which has slow production and low yield with the common chicken egg growing method. Novavex, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) seeks to cut this timeframe dramatically, taking it from four to six months to ten to twelve weeks. They aim to accomplish this by bolstering immunity with their new method using Virus Like Particles (VLP) in place of the actual virus strain. Another company working around the limited chicken egg success is Novartis (NYSE: NVS). This Swiss based pharmaceutical company finished their first batch of swine flu vaccine during the second week of June. Grown in cells opposed to chicken eggs, they plan to begin clinical trials of their vaccine this month. Also beginning clinical trials is Beijing’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (AMEX: SVA) who have already begun mass production of their vaccine.

One of the most promising and exciting developments in the battle against swine flu is Cel-Sci’s (AMEX: CVM) L.E.A.P.S. (Ligand Epitope Antigen Presentation System) technology. The goal of this new method is to not only immunize against the current strain of H1N1, but to also keep a patient immune to any future mutations of that strain. This could be a major breakthrough in combating such a virulent illness like H1N1, which has a high potential for mutation. The vaccine will accomplish this seemingly remarkable feat by working against parts of the virus that if mutated would kill it. Cel-1000, the product of L.E.A.P.S. can be used on by itself or in conjunction with other vaccines, boosting their effectiveness and ability to resist mutated forms of the strain.

It is not only biotech companies joining the fight either. Even Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is looking to throw their considerable weight up against swine flu. The reigning king of retail is currently in discussions with the United States government to offer the use of their stores as immunization centers. With over 3,400 stores nationwide, and an estimated 140 million shoppers, Wal-Mart should considerably help the government reach their goal of immunizing 150 million Americans.

In today’s world of easy travel the risk for a global epidemic is at an all time high, yet with technology that places us at greater risk also comes technology to better protect us. These as well as other companies are working their hardest to make certain that the horrors of 1918 remain relegated to the pages of history. That they never again be allowed to take such a devastating toll in human lives. So not only are these companies worth looking into for investment opportunities, ultimately they may also be responsible for saving millions of lives. With flu season approaching, be sure to get yourself immunized and follow common sense precautions, such as washing your hands often and covering your mouth when coughing. In the words of the W.H.O.’s Dr. Chan, “We are in this together, and we will get through this, together.” Rest assured that these biotech companies are striving to make sure that we do.

Jay Garcilazo

FavStocks.com