Recombinant Influenza vaccine quadrivalent(Protein Sciences Corp.)

Sanofi has begun shipped its first influenza (flu) vaccines across the U.S. in preparation for the 2024–25 flu season. Following this first shipment, additional shipments of the full Sanofi flu vaccine portfolio will continue through October to healthcare provider offices, pharmacies and other immunizers to support fall immunization campaigns. With over 125 years of heritage in helping protect global public health, Sanofi is a world leader in vaccines, helping to vaccinate more than 500 million people annually. Thomas Grenier, Head of Vaccines, North America, Sanofi said, "Today, we began shipping flu vaccines for the upcoming season, a moment that underscores our long-standing commitment to providing global protection against disease. Getting a flu shot is imperative to not only help protect against flu infection, but also to help reduce the risks of its potentially severe complications, which can lead to hospitalizations, especially in those most vulnerable. Sanofi understands what these populations need out of their flu shots and works tirelessly from start to finish to provide proven and specific solutions." All flu vaccines provided by Sanofi to the US market are trivalent, meaning they offer protection against the current three strains of influenza (two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain). These strains were selected based on a collaborative review of influenza surveillance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among other public health experts, as the strains most likely to cause illness in the upcoming flu season. Annual flu vaccination is one of the best ways to help protect against flu and its complications. Public health authorities worldwide reiterate their recommendations for eligible people to be vaccinated every year. As one of the largest providers of influenza vaccines to the United States with a range of options, Sanofi meets immunization needs across the lifespan, from children as young as six months of age through adults 65 years of age and older. This year's 2024/25 US influenza season portfolio includes Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine), Flublok (Influenza Vaccine) and Fluzone (Influenza Vaccine). Fluzone, Flublok, and Fluzone High-Dose are vaccines indicated for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B strains contained in the vaccine. Fluzone is given to people 6 months of age and older. Flublok is given to people 18 years of age and older. Fluzone High-Dose is given to people 65 years of age and older. Fluzone, Flublok, or Fluzone High-Dose should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine (including eggs or egg products for Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose). In addition, Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.

Moderna is leading the mRNA influenza vaccine race with its mRNA-1010 candidate. Image credit: Shutterstock/Cryptographer. England’s National Health Service (NHS) has revealed that flu cases last week were up 75% from the same period last year. Currently at the highest levels this winter, data shows an average of 2,226 patients were in hospital each day with flu. This is up 70% from the end of December, and three-quarters up from the same week in January 2023. Along with flu rates, the NHS said Covid-19 figures remain a concern. Nearly 4,000 patients were in hospital with Covid each day last week, according to a 1 February press release. Vaccines can help protect against the flu and are offered to people every year at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. Caused by the influenza virus, flu is significantly more serious than the common cold, which is caused by a wide range of viruses. NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care Julian Redhead said: “As always, I would urge the public to get their flu and Covid vaccines if they are eligible, and continue to come forward for NHS services when you need them.” See Also: LimmaTech secures funding for vaccine technology development GSK seeks to extend RSV vaccine use in adults aged 50-59 There are currently six vaccines in use for the 2023 to 2024 flu season in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency. All the vaccines protect against four subtypes of influenza. The vaccines contain two influenza A and B virus strains. Though these flu vaccines work with high efficacy, that has not stopped companies from exploring the next generation of jabs. Moderna is leading the race with a recent trial win for its mRNA-1010 seasonal influenza vaccine. The investigational mRNA vaccine demonstrated strong results in a Phase III trial showing protection against all four flu strains, as per data released by the company in September 2023. Additionally, Sanofi , Curevac , and Pfizer are all developing mRNA/flu combination vaccines, but some clinical trials have produced mixed results so far. GlobalData states that Moderna is currently the leading the mRNA vaccine charge in infectious diseases. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology. Among the six approved flu vaccines in the UK, both Sanofi’s quadrivalent influenza vaccine, and Viatris ’ quadrivalent Influvac subunit Tetra, vaccine are licensed for infants from six months of age. CSL Seqirus’ cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine is given to those aged two years and above. AstraZeneca ’s Fluenz Tetra, a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is for those between two and 18 years of age. For adults over 18 years of age, Sanofi’s Supemtek, a recombinant quadrivalent influenza vaccine is used. CSL Seqirus’ other adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) is licensed for use for adults above 65 years of age. In a recent deal with the UKHSA , CSL Seqirus agreed to be on standby in case of a future influenza pandemic. The advance purchase agreement, signed in September 2023, meant that the Australia-headquartered drugmaker is ready to produce more than 100 million influenza pandemic vaccines if called upon. The drugs would be manufactured at the company’s plant in Liverpool. The government is already looking at ways of centralising the procurement of adult flu vaccines, as per a vaccination strategy published in December 2023. Currently, vaccines are obtained by individual NHS GP practices. Moving procurement to a national level could facilitate the co-administration of flu and Covid-19 vaccines, the report said.