Everyone’s talking about the swine flu, whom it might affect, where it is spreading and how to contain it. Swine flu, derived in part from a strain of influenza endemic to pigs, has thus far been detected in humans in Mexico, the U.S., Spain, Canada, New Zealand, Israel and Scotland. According to Mexican health officials, more than 150 people have died in that country as a result of the virus. It is estimated that more than 1,900 people in Mexico have been hospitalized, prompting the government to shut down schools, sports clubs, swimming pools and other public places. Of the 50 or so cases reported in the U.S., most have been mild and none have been fatal.

As swine flu dominates news reports and water-cooler chats, publicly traded biotechnology firms that operate in the viral and flu space are seeing renewed interested in their shares.

recent news out this morning is suggesting that the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. government might produce swine flu vaccines to prevent a further outbreak. If true, any and all companies related to the space will move materially higher.

Stockpickr has compiled  a Swine Flu Stocks portfolio of stocks that might benefit from the recent outbreak and the buzz surrounding it. A few being promoted from penny stock status rising over 300%. So  a $500 investment would now be trading at $1500.00.

Novavax (NVAX): NVAX can produce a vaccine from an emergent strain of flu virus in 12 weeks according to the CEO.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX): BCRX is currently in Phase I testing (thus highly unlikely to get authorization power from the FDA) for drugs that block enzymes involved in cancer, viral infections, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

AVI Biopharma (AVII): AVII is in the process with a joint venture with the Department of Defense’s Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative, with the goal of developing drugs for cardiovascular diseases.

Dynavax Technologies (DVAX): DVAX is currently in Phase II testing of its universal flu vaccine, the company also has several other drugs in its pipeline, and joint ventures with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Astra Zeneca, and Novartis. DVAX has $1.7 in cash per share, and no debt.

Sinovac Biotech (SVA): SVA is a Chinese based biotech company that engages in the sale of vaccines that protect against human infectious in mainland China. The company’s principal drug ‘Anflu’ provides a split virus influenza vaccine.

Advanced Life Sciences Holdings (ADLS): ADLS’s leading drug called ‘Cethromycin’ is a once-a-day treatment for pneumonia. Currently under review by the FDA, ADLS has tested Cethromycin in Phase III testing.

Quidel Corp (QDEL): QDEL makes the QuickVue test which is used during flu season. Recently the company reported a wider then expected loss because of a mild flue season, which led to weak demand for their flu test kit.

Stock photo of pig.