CSL Seqirus Gets Federal Funding for Pre-Pandemic Avian Influenza Vaccine

CSL Seqirus has secured a $30 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for a pre-pandemic vaccine to protect humans from avian influenza.

Several outbreaks of this type of flu have occurred among wild and farmed birds as well as commercial poultry in several parts of the world, including the U.S. The investigational CSL vaccine would protect against the H5N8 viral strain.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will deliver the virus vaccine candidate for assessment in a phase 2 clinical study that is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2023.

BARDA was created to address gaps in the U.S. government’s development and procurement process for vaccines, drugs, therapies and diagnostic tools for use in public health medical emergencies.