Merck & Co Seals Agreement With CSL Biotherapies

Published: 28-Sep-2009

To market and distribute Afluria, CSL's seasonal influenza vaccine

Merck & Co has entered into an exclusive agreement with CSL Biotherapies, a subsidiary of CSL Limited, to market and distribute CSL's seasonal influenza vaccine Afluria in the US, for the 2010/2011-2015/2016 flu seasons.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will assume responsibility for all aspects of commercialization of Afluria in the US. CSL will supply Afluria to Merck and will retain responsibility for marketing the vaccine outside the US.

Afluria is indicated for the active immunization of persons aged 18 years and older, against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B present in the vaccine.

The company said that with the addition of seasonal flu vaccine, it will market eight of the 10 vaccines on the recommended immunization schedule for adults in the US.

Margaret McGlynn, president, Merck Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, said: "Adult vaccines are an integral part of preventive healthcare and continue to be a strong focus for Merck. Afluria is an important addition to our robust adult vaccine portfolio and provides an opportunity for us to help address the public health need for flu vaccination in the US."

CSL Biotherapies has revealed that the FDA licensed a new vaccine filling and packaging facility in Kankakee, Illinois. The facility includes a high-speed, single-dose vaccine syringe filling line and will primarily provide filling and packaging services for influenza vaccine supply to the US market.

Merck & Co is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company. The company currently discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs.

Tell your friend about this article