Chiron Signs UK Flu Supply Pact

Chiron Corp. has entered into a supply contract with the UK government for pre-pandemic influenza vaccine for a stockpile based on the H5N1 avian flu virus strain. Health authorities have identified H5N1 avian influenza as a strain with pandemic potential. Under the UK contract, Chiron has agreed to supply the British government with H5N1 avian flu vaccine containing Chiron’s MF59 adjuvant. Delivery of the stockpile remains subject to internal and regulatory release procedures.

The UK stockpile vaccine is based on an inactivated flu strain similar to the H5N1 avian subtype that has circulated throughout Southeast Asia and more recently in Central Asia and parts of Europe. Chiron will produce vaccine for this stockpile at its manufacturing facilities in Italy. As part of its avian flu vaccine strategy, Chiron expects to be able to manufacture avian flu vaccines during the traditional break between seasonal flu vaccine campaigns, finishing these activities in time for the seasonal flu vaccine production to avoid interruption of the normal manufacturing cycle.

As with other influenza manufacturers participating in stockpiling efforts, Chiron has also submitted a “mock-up” file for pandemic influenza vaccine containing its MF59 adjuvant to the EMEA. The mock-up file lays the groundwork for potentially a more rapid approval of a vaccine once a pandemic occurs. All of the studies for the mock-up file involve Chiron’s MF59 adjuvant. Assuming the mock-up file gains approval, in the event of a pandemic, Chiron could submit a revision to the mock-up file for the relevant pandemic strain.