Novartis says produces first batch of H1N1 vaccine

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) - A Swiss drug company says it’s succeeded in producing a first batch of swine flu vaccine, weeks ahead of expectations.
    Novartis AG says the vaccine was made in cells, rather than grown in eggs as is usually the case with vaccines.
    The announcement comes a day after the World Health Organization declared swine flu a pandemic. The move indicates that a global outbreak is under way. The WHO says drugmakers will likely have vaccines approved and ready for sale after September.
    Novartis says it would use the first batch of vaccine for pre-clinical evaluation and testing. It is also being considered for clinical trials.