PARIS: US well being authorities have suspended the licence for the Ixchiq vaccine in opposition to the chikungunya virus following experiences of “severe adversarial occasions”, the drug’s French maker mentioned on Monday (Aug 25).
Ixchiq is one among simply two vaccines authorised by the US Meals and Drug Administration for the mosquito-spread virus, which primarily happens in tropical and subtropical areas however has not too long ago been found in international locations worldwide.
French firm Valneva obtained US approval for the vaccine in 2023, however experiences of unintended effects have prompted evaluations, particularly over its use in older sufferers, together with by the European Medicines Company this yr.
“The suspension of the licence is efficient instantly,” Valneva mentioned of the FDA order issued on Friday, citing 4 further instances of significant unintended effects, three of which concerned folks aged 70 to 82.
“As we decide potential subsequent steps, and because the clear risk of chikungunya continues to escalate globally, Valneva stays totally dedicated to sustaining entry to our vaccine as a world well being device,” chief government Thomas Lingelbach mentioned in an announcement.
Public well being specialists say chikungunya might be a possible future pandemic risk as local weather change pushes the mosquitoes that unfold it into new areas.
The signs are just like these of dengue fever and Zika virus, with excessive fever and extreme joint ache that’s typically debilitating and varies in length.
