Performance characteristics of qualified cell lines for isolation and propagation of influenza viruses for vaccine manufacturing.

•These results indicate that influenza viruses isolated in the vaccine certified cell lines evaluated in this study are equally suitable for cell-based vaccine manufacturing and may provide an alternative when egg isolates are not available for vaccine production in eggs.•The efficiency and productivity of three cell lines for virus isolation were evaluated.•Virus isolates were suitable genetically and antigenically•Virus isolates yielded adequate amounts of purified antigen from pilot manufacturing.•Isolates from three cell lines were suitable for cell-based vaccine manufacturing.•Influenza isolates from mammalian cell lines may support vaccine manufacture in eggs.