The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), which prepares for and responds to national disasters and public health emergencies in the U.S. ) is providing CSL Seqirus, Sanofi, and GSK the financial support necessary (approx. $72 million) to further influenza A vaccine production in preparation for any potential outbreaks of the virus through its Centre for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

These companies will ready the additional vaccine doses from bulk storage into ready-to-use vials or pre-filled syringes so that vaccine will be ready to distribute if required. They will also manufacture additional bulk influenza antigen if necessary, from stocks of currently circulating strains.

Egg-based influenza vaccines will continue to be supported by Sanofi year-round.

BARDA is also providing $121.4 million to CSL Seqirus for general pandemic influenza preparedness and vendor managed inventory (VMI) of additional adjuvant of the company’s H5 influenza vaccine.