Valneva Highlights Chikungunya's Health Impact in BMJ Study

Valneva's Latest Publication on Chikungunya Raises Awareness

Valneva SE (Nasdaq: VALN; Euronext Paris: VLA), a renowned specialty vaccine company, has recently released a pivotal publication regarding the health and economic implications of chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites. The research was featured in The British Medical Journal (BMJ), a prominent peer-reviewed medical journal recognized for disseminating high-quality infectious disease studies.

Key Findings from the Study

The article, titled “The Global Health and Economic Burden of Chikungunya from 2011 to 2020: A Model-Driven Analysis on the Impact of an Emerging Vector-Borne Disease,” presents alarming statistics, showing that the disease burden linked to chikungunya is much greater than previously understood. The study identifies over 18.7 million reported cases across 110 nations from 2011 to 2020, leading to a staggering loss of approximately 1.95 million disability-adjusted life years (DALY).

Chikungunya's Economic Implications

This significant burden relates to direct healthcare costs and indirect economic impacts, culminating in an estimated overall financial strain of $49.9 billion globally—$2.8 billion in direct medical expenses and a towering $47.1 billion in indirect costs mainly affecting regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean.

Statements from Valneva Leadership

Dr. Juan Carlos Jaramillo, Chief Medical Officer of Valneva, emphasized the importance of these findings. He noted that understanding the extent of chikungunya is crucial for health decision-makers to devise strategic prevention and control measures. Jaramillo commented on the urgency of addressing vector-borne diseases exacerbated by climate change, which may lead to an increase in outbreaks.

About the Chikungunya Virus

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is primarily spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, causing symptoms such as fever, severe joint pain, headache, and fatigue. Joint pain can be debilitating, persisting for extended periods, and affecting the quality of life for those infected. This disease drew global attention during significant outbreaks, particularly beginning in 2004, with over 3.7 million reported cases in the Americas alone over a recent ten-year span.

The Growing Need for Prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized chikungunya as a major public health concern, particularly underlining its threat due to climate influences. As mosquito populations expand geographically, the risk of transmission rises, highlighting the critical need for innovative prevention strategies.

Valneva's Commitment to Vaccine Development

Valneva SE continues to position itself as a leader in vaccine innovation, with a strong portfolio featuring proprietary travel vaccines including the world's first chikungunya vaccine. Their ongoing development endeavors also encompass a Lyme disease vaccine candidate partnered with Pfizer and other vaccine candidates against public health threats like the Zika virus.

Contact Valneva for More Information

For further inquiries about Valneva's initiatives, investors and media can reach out to Laetitia Bachelot-Fontaine, VP of Global Communications, at M +33 (0)6 4516 7099 or via email. Additional inquiries can be directed to Joshua Drumm, Ph.D., VP of Global Investor Relations at M +001 917 815 4520.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of Valneva's latest publication?

The publication emphasizes the health and economic burden of chikungunya, based on data collected from 2011 to 2020.

How significant is the economic burden of chikungunya?

The total economic burden is estimated at $49.9 billion globally, with substantial costs incurred in both direct medical expenses and indirect economic impacts.

What are the implications of climate change on chikungunya?

Climate change increases the risk of chikungunya outbreaks as mosquito populations expand into new territories where the virus can spread.

Who should be concerned about chikungunya?

Governments, health organizations, and individuals in endemic regions should be concerned, particularly as the disease presents risks to public health systems.

What is Valneva's role in vaccine development?

Valneva is focused on developing groundbreaking vaccines, including the world's first chikungunya vaccine and numerous others addressing critical public health needs.

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