CSL Seqirus Enters into Agreement with PAHO to Strengthen Influenza Protection
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
CSL Seqirus has entered into a long-term agreement with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Revolving Fund to support influenza prevention efforts across the Latin American region.
Under the multi-year agreement, CSL Seqirus will supply its portfolio of influenza vaccines to countries in the region. The company will collaborate with Sinergium Biotech to localise vaccine filling and distribution. Sinergium Biotech will carry out these activities at its manufacturing facility in Garín, located in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina.
The partnership combines CSL Seqirus’ experience in influenza vaccine development with Sinergium Biotech’s manufacturing and regulatory capabilities. As part of the agreement, the two companies will jointly invest US$10 million to support the transfer of technology and related capabilities. This investment adds to a previous US$25 million investment by Sinergium Biotech aimed at expanding local vaccine filling capacity.
The manufacturing collaboration is expected to strengthen vaccine production capabilities within the region and ensure a stable, reliable, and scalable supply of influenza vaccines for PAHO Member States. It also aims to support regional preparedness for potential influenza pandemics.
Influenza continues to place a significant burden on health systems and communities across the Americas. The disease can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, may lead to hospitalisation or death. According to estimates from PAHO based on studies conducted in six South American countries with a combined population of about 307 million, seasonal influenza between 2015 and 2019 resulted in approximately 51 to 78 million mild to moderate cases each year. During the same period, influenza was associated with roughly 323,000 to 490,000 hospitalisations and between 22,000 and 47,000 deaths annually.
PAHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases recommends that countries implement seasonal influenza vaccination programmes aimed at protecting high-risk groups. These include children aged 6–23 months, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, older adults, and healthcare workers.
CSL Seqirus continues to focus on developing influenza vaccines for different age groups across global markets. The company is advancing technologies such as cell-based vaccine manufacturing and MF59 adjuvant technology to improve protection, particularly for vulnerable populations including children and older adults.
Cell-based influenza vaccines are designed to better match influenza strains selected by the World Health Organization. This approach also helps avoid certain changes that may occur during traditional egg-based vaccine production. Studies conducted in real-world settings have indicated that cell-based vaccines can provide improved effectiveness compared with traditional egg-based vaccines in preventing confirmed influenza infections.
MF59 adjuvant technology is used to enhance immune responses, particularly in older adults whose immune systems may respond less strongly to standard vaccines. The technology aims to support stronger and longer-lasting protection and may help reduce severe outcomes and hospitalisations in people aged 65 and above.
Cell-based manufacturing methods are also considered suitable for pandemic preparedness, as they reduce reliance on large volumes of critical materials and provide a scalable and efficient alternative to traditional vaccine production processes.
Source: csl.com
