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FDA Approves Valneva's Ixchiq: First Chikungunya Vaccine

• The FDA has granted approval to Valneva's Ixchiq vaccine, making it the first-ever vaccine for the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease causing severe joint pain. • Ixchiq is approved for adults 18 and over at increased risk of chikungunya exposure, demonstrating a 98.9% antibody response rate in clinical trials 28 days post-vaccination. • Chikungunya is an emerging global health threat, with climate change expected to intensify the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, creating an urgent need for preventive measures. • Valneva anticipates the global market for chikungunya vaccines to exceed $500 million by 2032 and has also filed for approval in Europe and Canada.

Valneva has achieved a significant milestone with the FDA approval of its Ixchiq vaccine, the first-ever vaccine against the chikungunya virus. This mosquito-borne illness poses a growing global health threat, causing fever, debilitating joint pain, and other severe symptoms. The approval marks a crucial advancement in preventing this disease, which currently lacks specific drug treatments.
The FDA cleared Ixchiq for use in adults aged 18 and over who face an increased risk of chikungunya exposure. Chikungunya, a term meaning "disease that bends up the joints," has affected at least five million people in the past 15 years, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. The threat is expected to intensify due to climate change expanding the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety

Ixchiq is a live, attenuated vaccine administered as a single intramuscular injection. Clinical trials demonstrated a robust immune response, with 98.9% of adult recipients achieving an antibody response 28 days after vaccination. This response was maintained in almost all participants for at least 12 months, indicating durable protection.
Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), emphasized the importance of this approval, stating, "Infection with chikungunya virus can lead to severe disease and prolonged health problems, particularly for older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need and is an important advancement in the prevention of a potentially debilitating disease with limited treatment options."

Market and Future Prospects

Valneva estimates the global market for chikungunya vaccines could exceed $500 million annually by 2032. The company has also submitted applications for approval in Europe and Canada, with regulatory decisions expected next year. This approval provides a significant boost to Valneva, especially after challenges with its COVID-19 vaccine. The company projects total vaccine sales to reach €130-€150 million for the year.
Bavarian Nordic is also developing a chikungunya vaccine candidate (CHIKV VLP), having acquired rights from Emergent BioSolutions. Phase 3 results for this candidate have been reported and are expected to support regulatory filings.
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Reference News

[1]
In a world first, Brazil approves chikungunya vaccine - The Jerusalem Post
jpost.com · Apr 26, 2025
[2]
First chikungunya vaccine approved by FDA
pharmaphorum.com · Apr 8, 2025

Valneva's VLA1553 vaccine, branded Ixchiq, is the first FDA-approved chikungunya vaccine for adults at risk. It addresse...

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