CSL Seqirus Begins Shipping Portfolio of Innovative Influenza Vaccines for the 2023/24 U.S. Season

Rhea-AI Summary

CSL Seqirus has begun shipping its portfolio of innovative influenza vaccines across the U.S. for the 2023/24 influenza season. The company aims to supply over 55 million doses to healthcare providers. CSL Seqirus offers differentiated vaccine options approved for individuals aged six months and older. The portfolio includes FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, the first and only cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine; FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, the first and only adjuvanted quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine for adults 65 years and older; and AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT, an egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine. Vaccination rates were low during the previous year, despite a significant increase in influenza cases, especially in children.

Positive

• CSL Seqirus is positioned to supply over 55 million doses of influenza vaccines to healthcare providers across the U.S.
• The company offers differentiated vaccine options approved for individuals aged six months and older.
• The portfolio includes FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, and AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT.
• FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT is a cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine that provides an exact antigenic match to selected influenza virus strains.
• FLUAD QUADRIVALENT is an adjuvanted quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine for adults 65 years and older, recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
• AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT is an egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine approved for use in eligible individuals aged six months and older.
• Vaccination rates were low during the previous year, despite a significant increase in influenza cases, especially in children.

Negative

• None.

• CSL Seqirus is the only influenza vaccine manufacturer that offers differentiated vaccine options for individuals six months of age and older.
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant drop in influenza immunization rates and high levels of influenza-related illness, underscoring that flu is an ongoing threat.^1,2
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all eligible people aged six months and older, as a critical tool to help prevent flu and lessen the severity of influenza-related illness and potentially life-threatening associated complications.³

SUMMIT, N.J., July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CSL Seqirus, a business of CSL (ASX:CSL), today announced it has begun to ship its portfolio of innovative cell-based, adjuvanted and egg-based influenza vaccines across the U.S. in preparation for the 2023/24 influenza season. The company is positioned to supply over 55 million doses of influenza vaccines to healthcare providers across the U.S.

"Last season underscored the devastating impact flu can have, with over 300,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 19,000 flu-related deaths reported based on preliminary data through April 2023," said Dr. Gregg Sylvester, Chief Health Officer, CSL Seqirus.² "This year in the Southern Hemisphere, we're already seeing high levels of influenza activity, especially in children, which has historically been a strong predictor of what's to come in the Northern Hemisphere.^4,5 As we commence shipment to healthcare providers across the U.S., it's critical that we raise immunization rates this season to help protect as many people as possible from influenza and its potentially life-threatening complications."

CSL Seqirus is the only manufacturer to offer differentiated influenza vaccine options approved for use in individuals six months of age and older. This year's 2023/24 U.S. influenza season portfolio includes:

• FLUCELVAX^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine), the first and only cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine indicated for use in people six months and older.⁶
• By avoiding egg adaptation, cell-based flu vaccines provide an exact antigenic match to the World Health Organization--selected influenza virus strains.^7,8,9
• There were two real world evidence (RWE) studies conducted by the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute during the 2022/23 Northern Hemisphere season, in which a large majority (84%) of vaccinated participants received FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT. Influenza vaccine effectiveness was found to be 54% effective at preventing medical care cases in children and adults six months to 64 years of age, and 71% effective at preventing symptomatic flu among children ages 1 to 17 years of age.¹⁰ Limitations of these studies include small sample sizes from a single geographic area and the potential for confounding and bias.
• FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT immunogenicity, efficacy and safety are supported by randomized clinical trials.⁶
• FLUAD^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine, Adjuvanted), the first and only adjuvanted quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine for adults 65 years and older, is preferentially recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) over standard-dose influenza vaccines.^11,12
• FLUAD QUADRIVALENT contains an MF59^® adjuvant that, when added to a flu vaccine, is designed to strengthen, broaden, and lengthen the immune response.^11,13,14 This is important for adults 65 years and older whose immune systems may have a decreased capacity to respond to flu illness or vaccines.
• AFLURIA^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine), an egg-based, quadrivalent influenza vaccine approved for use in eligible people six months of age and older.¹⁵

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for all eligible individuals, ages six months and older, as a critical tool to prevent and lessen the severity of disease.³ Annual influenza vaccination is especially important for people at a higher risk of developing serious influenza-related complications, including older adults, pregnant people and children younger than 5 years old.^3,16 According to the CDC, most people who need only one dose of influenza vaccine for the season, should receive their vaccine in September or October.³ For children six months through 8 years of age, who require two vaccine doses, the CDC recommends they receive the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, as early as July and August.³ For children of any age who need only one dose of flu vaccine or pregnant people in their third trimester, vaccination as early as July and August can also be considered. ³

"It's unfortunate that in a year when we saw an early onset and significant increase in influenza cases from the previous year, especially in children, vaccination rates in the U.S. and globally were so low," said Dave Ross, Vice President, North America Commercial Operations, CSL Seqirus. "Influenza vaccination is critical in reducing flu-related hospitalizations and overall burden of disease.¹⁷ At CSL Seqirus, we're committed to working with our public health partners to do what we can to help drive vaccination rates at least back up to pre-pandemic levels."

For additional information on influenza vaccine options for the upcoming flu season, visit flu360.com.

About Seasonal Influenza
Influenza is a common, contagious seasonal respiratory disease that may cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in some people.¹⁷ Influenza can lead to clinical symptoms varying from mild to moderate respiratory illness to severe complications, hospitalization and in some cases, death.¹⁷ Because transmission of influenza viruses to others may occur one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick, the disease can be easily transmitted to others.¹⁷ Preliminary estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that during the 2022/23 influenza season, there were an estimated 300,000-650,000 influenza-related hospitalizations in the U.S.² The CDC recommends annual vaccination for individuals aged 6 months and older, who do not have any contraindications.³ Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that help protect against influenza virus infection, it is recommended that people get vaccinated before influenza begins spreading in their community.³ The CDC recommends that for most people who need only 1 dose of flu vaccine, vaccination should ideally happen in September or October.³

About CSL Seqirus
CSL Seqirus is part of CSL (ASX:CSL). As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers in the world, CSL Seqirus is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness. With state-of-the-art production facilities in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, and leading R&D capabilities, CSL Seqirus utilizes egg, cell and adjuvant technologies to offer a broad portfolio of differentiated influenza vaccines in more than 20 countries around the world.

For more information about CSL Seqirus, visit CSLSeqirus.com.

About CSL
CSL (ASX:CSL) (USOTC:CSLLY) is a global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of lifesaving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies in iron deficiency and nephrology. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL – including our three businesses: CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor – provides lifesaving products to patients in more than 100 countries and employs 32,000 people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop and deliver innovations so our patients can live life to the fullest. For inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit CSLBehring.com/Vita and follow us on Twitter.com/CSL.

For more information about CSL, visit www.CSL.com.

Intended Audience
This press release is issued from CSL Seqirus in Summit, New Jersey, USA and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved CSL Seqirus products may vary from country to country. Please consult your local regulatory authority on the approval status of CSL Seqirus products. 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future results, performance or achievements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 

USA-CRP-23-0005

MEDIA CONTACT
Tiffany Cody
+1 (908) 370-1863
Tiffany.Cody@Seqirus.com

FLUAD^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine, Adjuvanted), FLUCELVAX^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine), and AFLURIA^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine)

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What are FLUAD^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine, Adjuvanted), FLUCELVAX^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine), and AFLURIA^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine)?
FLUAD QUADRIVALENT is a vaccine that helps protect people aged 65 years and older from the flu.

FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT is a vaccine that helps protect people aged 6 months and older from the flu.

AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT is a vaccine that helps protect people aged 6 months and older from the flu. Vaccination with any of these may not protect all people who receive the vaccine.

Who should not get FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, or AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT?
You should not get FLUAD QUADRIVALENT nor AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine in the past, including egg protein, or a severe allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine.

You should not get FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.

Before receiving FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, or AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT, tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, including if you:

• have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) within six weeks after getting a flu vaccine. The decision to give any flu vaccine should be made by your healthcare provider, based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
• have problems with your immune system or are taking certain medications that suppress your immune system, as these may reduce your immune response to the vaccine
• have ever fainted when receiving a vaccine

What are common side effects possible with FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, and AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT?

• pain, tenderness, redness, itching, bruising, swelling, and/or a raised hardened area where the vaccine was given
• headache
• overtiredness with low energy
• muscle aches
• feeling unwell (malaise)

Additional side effects in children include:

• sleepiness
• irritability
• diarrhea
• changes in eating habits

These are not all the possible side effects of FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, and AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT. You can ask your healthcare provider for more information.

What do I do if I have side effects?
Ask your healthcare provider for advice about any side effects that concern you.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact CSL Seqirus at 1-855-358-8966 or VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 and www.vaers.hhs.gov.

You are also encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1–800–FDA–1088.

Before receiving this vaccine, please see the full US Prescribing Information for FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, or AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT. The information provided here does not include all that is known about FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, or AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT. To learn more, talk with your healthcare provider.

FLUAD^® QUADRIVALENT, FLUCELVAX^® QUADRIVALENT, and AFLURIA^® QUADRIVALENT are registered trademarks of Seqirus UK Limited or its affiliates.

MF59^® is a registered trademark of Seqirus UK Limited or its affiliates.

REFERENCES

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/dashboard/vaccination-dashboard.html, Accessed June 2023.
² CDC. 2022-2023 Preliminary In-Season Burden Estimate. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm. Accessed June 2023.
³ CDC. Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm. Accessed June 2023.
⁴ Zhang, Y., Yakob, L., Bonsall, M.B. et al. Predicting seasonal influenza epidemics using cross-hemisphere influenza surveillance data and local internet query data. Sci Rep 9, 3262 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39871-2.
⁵ Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. AISR fortnightly report No. 5 – 29 May to 11 June 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-06/aisr-fortnightly-report-no-5-29-may-to-11-june-2023_0.pdf. Accessed June 2023.
⁶ FLUCELVAX^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine) [package insert]. Holly Springs, NC: CSL Seqirus Inc, 2023.
⁷ Rajaram S, Boikos C, Gelone DK, Gandhi A. Influenza vaccines: the potential benefits of cell-culture isolation and manufacturing. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother. 2020;8:2515135520908121. doi: 10.1177/2515135520908121.
⁸ CDC. Cell-based flu vaccines. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/cell-based.htm. Accessed June 2023.
⁹ Rockman S, Laurie K, Ong C, Rajaram S, McGovern I, Tran V, Youhanna J. Cell-Based Manufacturing Technology Increases Antigenic Match of Influenza Vaccine and Results in Improved Effectiveness. Vaccines. 2023; 11(1):52. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010052.
¹⁰ McLean HQ, Petrie JG, Hanson KE, et al. Interim Estimates of 2022–23 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness — Wisconsin, October 2022–February 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:201–205.
¹¹ FLUAD^® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine, Adjuvanted) [package insert]. Holly Springs, NC: CSL Seqirus Inc, 2023. National
¹² Grohskopf LA, Blanton LH, Ferdinands JM, et al. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2022–23 Influenza Season. MMWR Recomm Rep 2022;71(No. RR-1):1–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7101a1.
¹³ Frey SE, Aplasca-De Los Reyes MR, Reynales H, et al. (2014). Comparison of the safety and immunogenicity of an MF59^®-adjuvanted with a non-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in elderly subjects. Vaccine. 2014;32:5027-5034.
¹⁴ O'Hagan DT, Ott GS, Nest GV, Rappuoli R, Giudice GD. (2013). The history of MF59^® adjuvant: a phoenix that arose from the ashes. Expert Rev Vaccines: 2013;12(1): 13-3.
¹⁵ AFLURIA^® QUADRIVALENT [package insert]. Parkville, AU: CSL Seqirus Inc, 2023.
¹⁶ CDC. People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm. Accessed June 2023.
¹⁷ CDC. Key Facts about Influenza. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm. Accessed June 2023.

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SOURCE CSL Seqirus

FAQ

What vaccines does CSL Seqirus offer for the upcoming flu season?

CSL Seqirus offers FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, FLUAD QUADRIVALENT, and AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT for the upcoming flu season.

Who are the approved age groups for CSL Seqirus' influenza vaccines?

The influenza vaccines from CSL Seqirus are approved for use in individuals aged six months and older.

What is the difference between FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT and the other vaccines?

FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT is a cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine that provides an exact antigenic match to selected influenza virus strains.

Why is FLUAD QUADRIVALENT recommended for adults 65 years and older?

FLUAD QUADRIVALENT is an adjuvanted quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine that strengthens, broadens, and lengthens the immune response, which is important for adults 65 years and older.

What is the recommended timing for influenza vaccination?

According to the CDC, most people who need only one dose of influenza vaccine should receive it in September or October. For children who require two doses, the first dose can be given as early as July and August.

Why were vaccination rates low during the previous year?

Vaccination rates were low during the previous year, despite a significant increase in influenza cases, especially in children.