First cell-based influenza vaccine approved in Europe

UK-based Seqirus, a subsidiary of the Australian biotech firm CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), has won European approval for a new cell-based seasonal influenza vaccine, Flucelvax Tetra (influenza vaccine).

Cell-based vaccines are designed to overcome inherent limitations associated with traditional egg-based vaccine manufacturing, which can reduce the potential antibody-antigen binding affinity required to achieve consistently high vaccine efficacy from season to season.

The product will be the first cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc) available in Europe. The approval was based on a real-world study demonstrating positive outcomes.