Bavarian Nordic Partners With Biological E. To Expand Chikungunya Vaccine Access

Bavarian Nordic A/S  has partnered with Biological E. Limited (BE) to expand access to its chikungunya vaccine in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As part of this collaboration, the companies have signed a contract manufacturing agreement to scale production capacity, ensuring future supply to endemic regions. This includes a technology transfer for the current drug product and its manufacturing process, with the potential to transfer the drug substance process later. Meanwhile, Bavarian Nordic will retain its manufacturing capabilities for commercialisation in Western markets.

Ms Mahima Datla, Managing Director, Biological E. Limited, said in a statement, “We are pleased to collaborate with Bavarian Nordic to help expand the availability of their chikungunya vaccine in low and middle-income countries. The scale of our manufacturing and successful track record in providing global access to vaccines is synergistically aligned with Bavarian Nordic, and we are committed to utilising our advanced and efficient manufacturing technologies to meet health needs in endemic regions.”

This partnership aligns with Bavarian Nordic’s strategy to expand global access to its chikungunya vaccine through licensing and distribution agreements outside the US and Europe. The vaccine recently received its first approval in the US and a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). These regulatory milestones make the way for further approvals in additional markets. 

Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, commented, “We are pleased to announce our first collaboration to expand global access to our chikungunya vaccine and also our first partnership with Biological E, who have solid expertise and comprehensive experience in supplying vaccines for improving public health worldwide. Expanding supply is a prerequisite for our ability to address the increasing need for solutions to prevent chikungunya in vulnerable populations in endemic regions, and we are dedicated to pursuing strong partnerships to help us achieve this goal.”