Quadrivalent influenza vaccine launched in Europe

First ever cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines available in Europe and is licensed for use for people nine years and above.

Seqirus, a global leader in influenza prevention, announced that the European Commission has issued marketing approval for its new seasonal influenza vaccine, Flucelvax Tetra. This will be the first cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc) available in Europe. The cell-based technology represents one of the most momentous changes in the way influenza vaccines are manufactured since the 1940s.

Delving into the world of influenza vaccines

Influenza is a common, highly contagious infectious disease that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Influenza can lead to clinical symptoms varying from mild to moderate respiratory illness to severe complications, hospitalisation and in some instances, death.

To reduce the risk of serious outcomes, such as hospitalisation and death, the NHS encourages annual vaccination for all younger children, people aged 18-64 in high risk groups and all aged 65 and over.

Bettering influenza vaccines

Russell Basser MD, SVP of research and development, Seqirus, explains: “This real-world study, along with other emerging evidence, indicates that cell-based influenza vaccines may result in better influenza-related outcomes compared to standard egg-based vaccine options in some seasons, particularly those seasons characterised by egg-adapted changes.”

“We are greatly encouraged by the data and look forward to working with academic partners to generate additional data in future seasons.”

Being a strategic priority for Seqirus, developing new and better influenza vaccine technologies is key, along with including further advances in cell-based technology and the use of adjuvants to boost the immune response.

Source: healtheuropa.eu

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