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Valneva Responds to French Government’s Call for Vaccine Supply of IXCHIQ® against Chikungunya Outbreak in La Réunion
Globenewswire· 2025-03-24 06:00
Core Viewpoint - Valneva SE is responding to a chikungunya outbreak in La Réunion by providing 40,000 doses of its vaccine IXCHIQ, with a focus on vaccinating vulnerable populations, particularly adults aged 65 and over with co-morbidities [1][2][4]. Group 1: Company Actions and Vaccine Details - Valneva will supply 40,000 doses of IXCHIQ starting in early April, with the option to provide more doses as needed [1]. - IXCHIQ is the world's first licensed chikungunya vaccine, approved for individuals aged 18 and older in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and the UK, with a recent positive opinion from the EMA for a label extension to individuals aged 12 and older [3][5]. - The company is focused on expanding access to IXCHIQ, including a partnership with CEPI that received a $41.3 million grant to enhance vaccine access in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) [5][6]. Group 2: Public Health Context and Response - Chikungunya cases in La Réunion have surged, with 8,600 cases reported and nearly 3,000 new cases in the week of March 3 to 9, 2025, prompting local authorities to implement a Level 4 emergency crisis management plan [2]. - The Haute Autorité de Santé recommended prioritizing vaccination for adults aged 65 and over, especially those with co-morbidities, followed by adults aged 18 and over with co-morbidities [4]. - The CDC has issued a travel alert due to the outbreak, highlighting the potential for transmission to mainland France and other territories [2]. Group 3: Broader Implications and Partnerships - Valneva has signed an exclusive license agreement with the Serum Institute of India to supply IXCHIQ in Asia, ensuring affordable access to public health markets in LMICs [6][7]. - The company previously established a partnership with Instituto Butantan in Brazil for the development and marketing of a local chikungunya vaccine for Latin American countries [7]. - The World Health Organization has identified chikungunya as a significant public health issue, with the disease affecting over 110 countries and the economic impact expected to grow due to climate change [9].