Bavarian Nordic’s fever vaccine approved in USA

Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic has received approval from U.S. health authorities to use its chikungunya fever vaccine for individuals down to 12 years of age. CEO Paul Chaplin highlights the vaccine as the first specifically approved to prevent the chikungunya virus in this age group. The mosquito-spread disease presents symptoms like fever and joint pain and has been reported in more than 110 countries, with approximately 620,000 cases and 200 deaths last year. The real death toll may be higher due to underreporting. Bavarian Nordic acquired the vaccine in February 2023 and has reported promising testing outcomes, making it ready for launch in two significant markets.