Europe approves pre-pandemic vaccine to combat bird flu

European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced on February 22 the approval of a pre-pandemic vaccine that could be critical in the fight against bird flu and save millions of lives in a crisis. After the devastating experience with coronavirus, the scientific community is on constant alert for any threat that could trigger a new pandemic.

One of the major concerns is related to the influenza virus, especially after the recent outbreak of avian influenza, which affected millions of birds and led to the infection of mammals, raising concerns about the possible adaptation of the virus to humans.

The pre-pandemic vaccine is actually two different but related forms of the same drug, both developed pharmaceutical company CSL Seqirusone of the leading vaccine companies in the world.

The first vaccine called Celldemikbased primarily on a known strain of avian influenza that was circulating among some turkeys in 2005 and has demonstrated significant effectiveness in generating an immune response against the currently circulating virus. On the other hand, the second vaccine, called Incellipanis a future project that will be tailored to the specific virus causing the pandemic at the time of its emergence.

Experts say the approval of these vaccines represents significant progress in preparing for future pandemics. Raul Ortiz de Lejarazuhonorary director CNational influenza registration of Valladolidemphasizes that these vaccines will enable a faster and more effective response to a possible avian influenza pandemic thanks to their innovative production system, which uses cell cultures instead of eggs, providing a technical and logistical advantage.

Celldemic is intended for immunization during outbreaks of avian influenza, primarily for risk groups such as poultry farm workers and their close contacts. For its part, Incellipan is intended to be used only in the event of an official declaration of an influenza pandemic.

Both vaccines were approved to be administered in two doses three weeks apart and is indicated for adults and children over six months of age. The most common side effects include local pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache, although in young children fever and irritability may occur, among other temporary symptoms.

Despite the progress made by these vaccines, there are still unresolved challenges associated with production and distribution worldwide. Daniel Lopez Acuñaformer director WHO’s response to health in times of crisis, stresses the need for a global plan for the production and distribution of doses, as well as the creation of a strategic reserve of vaccines, to ensure an effective response in the early moments of the crisis.

The approval of these pre-pandemic vaccines represents an important step forward in preparing for future avian influenza pandemics and strengthens the international community’s ability to address potential epidemiological threats. @mundiario