Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine Update: Safety and Recommendations
Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine IXCHIQ: Recent Developments
Valneva SE (Nasdaq: VALN; Euronext Paris: VLA), a pioneering company in specialized vaccines, is making strides in the fight against chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease. Recently, the French national public health agency, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), revised its recommendations regarding the usage of Valneva’s innovative single-dose chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ. This change comes amid reports of serious adverse events (SAEs) in older populations during the current vaccination campaign.
Suspension of IXCHIQ Usage in Older Adults
Originally, the vaccination effort targeted adults aged 65 and older, particularly those with underlying health conditions, due to their vulnerability to chikungunya virus (CHIKV). However, on April 25, French health authorities announced a suspension of the IXCHIQ vaccine for individuals over 65. This decision follows an ongoing investigation into three cases of SAEs that resulted in hospitalization, including one fatality, linked to the vaccine.
The affected individuals were all over the age of 80 and had existing health complications. While these adverse events were reported to the health authorities, it is important to note that no direct connection has been established between the vaccine and these incidents. Subsequently, the HAS continues to support its recommendation for the use of IXCHIQ among adults aged 18 to 64.
Valneva’s Continued Commitment
Despite these challenges, Valneva remains fully dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficacy of its vaccine. Dr. Juan Carlos Jaramillo, the Chief Medical Officer of Valneva, expressed the company's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. He emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and encouraged healthcare providers to evaluate the risk-benefit balance for each patient's vaccination.
So far, Valneva has provided approximately 40,000 doses of IXCHIQ to support vaccination efforts amid a significant chikungunya outbreak, which has resulted in roughly 40,000 confirmed cases.
Understanding Chikungunya and Its Impact
The chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, leading to symptoms such as fever, debilitating joint and muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms can linger, causing a considerable burden on public health.
Since its resurgence in 2004, chikungunya has spread across more than 110 countries worldwide, with over 3.7 million cases documented in the Americas alone between 2013 and 2023. The economic consequences of this disease are profound, particularly as climate change enables the mosquitoes that carry the virus to extend their range.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized chikungunya as a significant public health issue, and ongoing efforts will be crucial to managing its impact as conditions evolve globally.
About Valneva SE
Valneva SE is dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and marketing essential vaccines for infectious diseases, addressing critical medical needs in the global landscape. The company stands out for its targeted approach, leveraging expertise in various vaccine technologies. Valneva’s success in advancing vaccines from early stages to market is noteworthy, now offering three proprietary travel vaccines.
The revenues generated from its commercial operations fuel the advancement of its vaccine pipeline, which includes the leading Lyme disease vaccine candidate in collaboration with Pfizer, and vaccine candidates for Zika and other impending public health challenges. More details can be found on their official website.
Media and Investor Relations
For further inquiries, Valneva’s media and investor relations team can be contacted as follows:
Laetitia Bachelot-Fontaine
VP Global Communications & European Investor Relations
Phone: +33 (0)6 4516 7099
Email: laetitia.bachelot-fontaine@valneva.com
Joshua Drumm, Ph.D.
VP Global Investor Relations
Phone: +001 917 815 4520
Email: joshua.drumm@valneva.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IXCHIQ and its purpose?
IXCHIQ is Valneva's single-dose vaccine designed to prevent chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Why has the use of IXCHIQ in older adults been suspended?
The French health authorities suspended the use for those over 65 due to ongoing investigations into serious adverse events among this demographic.
What are the common symptoms of chikungunya?
Symptoms typically include fever, severe joint pain, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes rashes. Joint pain may persist long after the initial infection.
How is Valneva contributing to public health?
Valneva develops vaccines addressing unmet medical needs, providing solutions for various infectious diseases, including chikungunya and Lyme disease.
How can I contact Valneva for more information?
For inquiries, you can reach Valneva's communications or investor relations teams via the provided contact information.
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