1 Squalene is a component of some adjuvants that are added to vaccines to enhance the immune response. 2  MF59, an adjuvant produced by Novartis and added to the FLUAD flu vaccine, is such an example. 3  Squalene by itself is not an adjuvant, but emulsions of squalene with surfactants do enhance the immune response.hat is squalene? 1  Squalene is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, animals, and humans. 2  Squalene is also found in a variety of foods, cosmetics, over-the-counter medications, and health supplements. 3  Squalene is commercially extracted from fish oil, and in particular shark liver oil.