Medium 199 was originally developed as a medium for nutritional studies of chicken embryos without the need of supplementation with serum. It is a versatile medium and is used for the cultivation of non-transformed and endothelial cells. In addition, M199 is frequently used in virology and vaccine production.

Tico Europe provides M199 with Earle’s or Hanks’ salts. M199 containing Earle’s salts is suitable for atmospheres with CO2 gas, whereas Medium 199 containing Hanks’ salts is used in closed containers.