CSL brands world's no 2 influenza vaccine provider as Seqirus

Australia-based CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) says that its influenza vaccines business will begin operating under the brand Seqirus effective today, following the merger of the recently-acquired for $275 million Novartis influenza business and its existing vaccines and pharmaceutical business bioCSL.

Seqirus is the world’s number 2 influenza vaccine provider in sales with operations in more than 20 countries in the $4 billion global industry. Seqirus provides a differentiated product portfolio, possesses strong pandemic and prepandemic franchises and manages one of the world’s largest influenza vaccine manufacturing networks with operations on three continents: North America, Europe, and Australia. CSL’s experience with influenza dates back nearly 100 years when it produced vaccine during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919.

“We are excited about the new brand and the future it represents,” said CSL chief executive and managing director Paul Perreault, adding: “Together as one business, Seqirus has a diverse product portfolio, extensive sales reach and the appropriate scale of R&D and manufacturing capabilities to leverage and compete globally. With nearly a century of experience in influenza, our expectation is for Seqirus to become a partner in pandemic responses and a major force in the prevention and control of influenza.”

Seqirus president Gordon Naylor commented: “Since completing the Novartis influenza vaccines business acquisition on 31 July, we have made excellent progress towards integrating our bioCSL and NVS Influenza Vaccines businesses. We have also established our corporate office in the UK and formed a new global leadership team. Our local management teams continue to do an excellent job in ensuring a seamless transition to our new global operating structure.”

Mr Naylor added: “In Australia, we remain committed to our unique role of ensuring timely and reliable supply of seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine as well as antivenoms and Q fever vaccine. Ensuring ongoing access to diagnostics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals will also continue to be a priority for us in Australia.”