CSL Limited today celebrated its 40th year as a
leading manufacturer of the influenza (flu) vaccine. The company´s
vaccine, Fluvax®, 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
Afluriaâ„¢, Enziraâ„¢
Nilgripâ„¢, and X-Fluâ„¢ 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®
Fluvax® 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® 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.
