Official announcements from U.S. Department of Agriculture or related authorities

U.S. Grants $72 Million to GSK, Sanofi, CSL's Seqirus to Double Bird Flu Vaccines Amid New Cases

Oct 4, 2024, 03:09 PM

Pharmaceutical companies GSK, Sanofi, and CSL Ltd's vaccine division Seqirus have secured $72 million in funding from the U.S. government to accelerate the production of bird flu vaccines. The investment aims to double the number of ready-to-use vaccines available within the first quarter of 2025. U.S. health officials confirmed the funding during a press briefing. This move comes as the U.S. faces increasing cases of H5 avian influenza, with 17 confirmed cases in 2024. Additionally, 254 dairy herds across 14 states have been impacted by the outbreak. The CDC has confirmed two new human cases in California dairy farm workers, who exhibited conjunctivitis but no respiratory symptoms. California health authorities are monitoring other exposed individuals for symptoms.