Parkville, Australia
CSL Limited today celebrated its 40th year as a leading manufacturer of the influenza (flu) vaccine. The company's vaccine, Fluvax(R), is a Thiomersal-free influenza vaccine that is approved for use in adults and children in Australia and New Zealand. This vaccine is known as Afluria(TM), Enzira(TM), Nilgrip(TM), and X-Flu(TM) in 17 different countries, including the US and European markets. Additionally, CSL supplies the antigen used to manufacture the flu vaccine in 24 countries.
CSL's prominence in the influenza vaccine market has grown dramatically over the last 40 years. The company started its global flu vaccine production in 1968, with the shipment of 1.2 million doses to Great Britain -- CSL's single-largest shipment of influenza vaccine at that time. CSL now has an established history in influenza vaccine development.
"At CSL Limited, we're proud of our track record of providing vaccine for what remains a critical global healthcare need," said Mary Sontrop, General Manager, CSL Biotherapies. "We're committed to consistently developing effective influenza vaccines based on the strains recommended by health authorities, such as the World Health Organization. As we prepare for the 2008-2009 influenza season, we look forward to providing consumers worldwide with an effective, quality product."
Recently completed, CSL Limited announced a $75 million (U.S.D.) investment in plant and equipment to double the manufacturing capacity of the company's Melbourne facility to 40 million doses, making it one of the largest vaccine manufacturing plants in the world. CSL has also commenced construction of additional fill and finish capabilities in the United States.
About Fluvax(R)
Fluvax(R) Influenza Virus Vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent influenza disease caused by influenza virus types A and B present in the vaccine in children and adults.
Fluvax(R) is available as a convenient single use pre-filled syringe, containing a 0.5mL dose, which is preservative-free and thiomersal-free.
Since 1985, more than 42 million doses of CSL's influenza vaccine have been distributed globally. This includes approximately 19.2 million doses of CSL Biotherapies' thiomersal-free formulation, distributed since its first market introduction.
About CSL Limited
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, CSL Limited is a global, specialty biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets protein-based medicines to treat and prevent serious human medical conditions. The CSL Group has a combined heritage of outstanding contributions to medicine and human health with more than 90 years experience in the development and manufacture of vaccines and plasma protein biotherapies. Our strong commitment to funding research and development of protein based biological medicines for unmet medical needs underpins our continuing growth.
The CSL Group includes CSL Bioplasma, CSL Biotherapies and CSL Behring incorporating ZLB Plasma. With major facilities in Australia, Germany, Switzerland and the U.S., CSL has over 8,600 employees operating in 27 countries.
About CSL Biotherapies
The U.S. headquarters of CSL Biotherapies are located in King of Prussia, Pa. Its parent company, CSL Limited, in Melbourne, Australia, operates one of the world's largest influenza vaccine facilities for global markets. CSL Biotherapies, which shares its U.S. headquarters with its sister company, CSL Behring, is commercializing influenza vaccine products globally. At CSL Biotherapies, delivering vaccines is our mission, protecting lives our passion. The CSL Group, which also includes CSL Research & Development, CSL Bioplasma, and CSL Behring, has more than 8,500 employees and operates in 21 countries worldwide. For more information, visit us at www.cslbiotherapies-us.com, or call 1-888-435-8633.
Source: Business Wire (Business Wire India)