Core Viewpoint - Bavarian Nordic A/S has received acceptance from Health Canada for the review of its chikungunya vaccine candidate, CHIKV VLP, which aims to prevent chikungunya virus infection in individuals aged 12 and older, with potential approval expected in the first half of 2026 [1][3]. Group 1: Vaccine Development and Approval - The New Drug Submission for CHIKV VLP is based on data supporting recent approvals in the US, EU, and UK, including results from two phase 3 clinical trials involving over 3,500 participants aged 12 and older [2][4]. - The vaccine demonstrated a neutralizing antibody response in up to 97.8% of vaccinated individuals 21 days post-vaccination, with a seroresponse rate of 96.8% at day 15 for the 12-64 age group and 82.3% for those over 65 [2]. - CHIKV VLP is designed to be non-infectious, containing no viral genetic material, making it suitable for a broad population [4]. Group 2: Market Context and Disease Impact - Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease that has emerged in over 110 countries, causing significant outbreaks, particularly in popular travel destinations [5]. - In 2024, there were 620,000 reported cases of chikungunya globally, with over 200 deaths, indicating a substantial public health concern [5]. - The disease often presents with severe symptoms, including incapacitating joint pain, and a significant percentage of patients may develop chronic arthritis [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - Bavarian Nordic is a global vaccine company focused on improving health through innovative vaccines, with a strong portfolio in travel vaccines and public health preparedness [6].