Serum Institute of India (SII) has partnered with French vaccine company Valneva SE to produce and distribute the world's first and only licensed chikungunya vaccine in India and other Asian countries. This is at one of India's worst chikungunya outbreaks, with nearly 3.7 lakh cases reported between January 2019 and July 2024, and the number is still rising.

Key Highlights:
Exclusive Partnership Information:

• SII will manufacture and sell Valneva's chikungunya vaccine in India and Asia.

• Valneva will provide the vaccine drug substance, and SII will manufacture it and obtain all other necessary regulatory approvals.

Regulatory Status:

• The vaccine is currently approved for adults in the US, Europe, and Canada.

• Regulatory reviews are being conducted; it may be approved for children aged 12 years old and below.

Chikungunya summary:

• Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Aedes mosquitoes.

• Symptoms include fever, severe pain in the joints and muscles, headache, feeling sick, tiredness, and a rash. Joint pain can last for weeks or years, making it a very difficult illness.

India's Chikungunya Problem:

• Currently, India is going through one of its worst ever chikungunya outbreaks ever.

• The vaccine will address an urgent need in India and other Asian countries affected by the disease.

Affordable Supply Promise:

• SII has promised to focus on vaccine delivery to public health markets in low-and middle-income countries at very affordable prices.

Technology Transfer and Profit Model:

• The partnership will mean sharing technology and profits.

• Valneva will supply the vaccine drug substance, and SII will handle manufacturing and regulatory activities.

• The agreement also includes milestone payments for the transfer of technology and regulatory approvals.

Statments about Leaders:

• Adar Poonawalla, CEO, SII: This partnership with Valneva underlines our commitment towards making effective and affordable vaccines available in order to address pressing public health concerns.

• Thomas Lingelbach, Valneva CEO: Containing chikungunya is a global health priority. This collaboration will accelerate access to our highly differentiated vaccine and address the urgent medical need.

This collaboration of SII and Valneva is a big step to curb the chikungunya threat, which indeed is a big health concern. The vaccine promising availability at low price using robust technology might have a significant impact in improving control over disease in India and other parts of Asia.