CSL Biotherapies gets US government contract for flu vaccines

CSL Biotherapies, a US subsidiary of Australia’s CSL (ASX: CSL), one of the world's leading manufacturers of influenza vaccine, has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Health and Human Services to supply pre-pandemic and pandemic vaccine antigens and related services to the US national stockpile.

Under the terms of the contract, the US government may request CSL Biotherapies to manufacture and store bulk antigen that can be used against influenza strains with pandemic potential. The Company may also be called upon to develop working virus 'seeds' for other manufacturers and to formulate, fill and finish bulk stored antigen.

"We are very pleased to again be working with the US government on its pandemic preparedness efforts," said John Anderson, senior vice president of CSL Biotherapies, adding: "CSL Biotherapies is committed to helping to protect the American public against the potential impact of an influenza pandemic.”