Seqirus, a global leader in influenza prevention, and Laboratoire Arrow, a fast growing player in the pharmaceutical industry in France, recently signed a distribution agreement, committing them to work in partnership to bring Seqirus’ cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine, marketed as FLUCELVAX® TETRA▼, to the French market.
This is a significant milestone in Seqirus’ journey to supply a new and innovative influenza vaccine to the French market. The focus now turns to ongoing market access discussions with the French health authority and other key stakeholders which will determine timelines for a potential future launch.
Enric Canelles, Vice President, Seqirus EMEA, said:
“Cell-based manufacturing technology represents one of the most significant changes to the production of influenza vaccines since the 1940s. We’re delighted to sign this agreement with Laboratoire Arrow as part of our ambitious growth plans to supply the French market and help mitigate the health and economic burdens of seasonal influenza.”
Laboratoire Arrow has a large presence in the French pharmaceutical market with branded and generic products marketed in retail and hospital settings. Knowledge of these markets, and close partnerships with pharmacists, made Laboratoire Arrow a good fit for a new influenza vaccine distribution partnership.
Vincent Pont, President, Laboratoire Arrow, added:
“We are delighted to have signed an agreement with Seqirus to distribute the first cell-based manufactured influenza vaccine on the French market. All the Arrow team will be dedicated to making this product a success in France and will support Health Authorities and healthcare professionals in improving the vaccine coverage rates and protecting the population.”
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Product information
- FLUCELVAX® TETRA’s European Public Assessment Reports (EPAR) can be accessed here: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/flucelvax-tetra
- FLUCELVAX® TETRA’s Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) can be accessed here: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/flucelvax-tetra-epar-product-information_en.pdf
About Seasonal Influenza
Seasonal influenza is a common, highly contagious infectious disease that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that 15,000 – 70,000 people in Europe die from influenza-related complications each year, and encourages annual vaccination as the most effective way to prevent influenza.1
Media Contacts
Robert Sutherland: +44 (0) 7917 551 666, robert.sutherland@seqirus.com
Claire Wanert: +33 (0) 4 72 72 60 72, cwanert@laboratoire-arrow.com
About Seqirus
Seqirus was established on 31 July 2015 following CSL’s acquisition of the Novartis influenza vaccines business and its subsequent integration with bioCSL. As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers in the world, Seqirus is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness. Seqirus operates state-of-the-art production facilities in the U.S., the UK and Australia, and manufactures influenza vaccines using both egg-based and cell-based technologies. It has leading R&D capabilities, a broad portfolio of differentiated products and a commercial presence in more than 20 countries.
About CSL
CSL (ASX:CSL) is a leading global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as vaccines to prevent influenza. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL — including our two businesses, CSL Behring and Seqirus - provides life-saving products to more than 60 countries and employs more than 22,000 people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop and deliver innovations so our patients can live life to the fullest. For more information about CSL Limited, visit www.csl.com.
About Laboratoire Arrow
LABORATOIRE ARROW is a French subsidiary of AUROBINDO PHARMA group. Created in 2000, with its headquarter located in Lyon, it markets branded and generic medicines on both retail and hospital market in France.
The laboratory’s growth and launch dynamic has enabled it to make its mark as a key player in the medicine market in the course of nearly 20 years and is now at the 7th rank in volume on the French retail market and among Top 3 of the hospital market in volume.
For more information visit www.laboratoire-arrow.com.
References
1 ECDC. (2019). Factsheet about seasonal influenza. Retrieved from: https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/facts/factsheet. Accessed June 2019.