Dive Brief:
- Protein Sciences, which manufactures Flublok recombinant influenza vaccine, has broadened its distribution for the 2014-15 season.
- The company also committed to earlier availability of the vaccine and more doses -- up to 500,000 doses will be manufactured.
- The first doses of Flublok will be available in September.
Dive Insight:
It appears that Flublok, the world’s first recombinant protein-based virus for the prevention of seasonal influenza, is in hot demand. Protein Sciences is working hard to be responsive to healthcare professionals, who complained last year, requesting earlier availability and broader distribution. One way that Flublok is accomplishing this is by bringing on the distributors, ASD Specialty Healthcare and Besse Medical and Oncology Supply.
Flublok is unique and appealing because of its perceived safety. Protein Sciences says it is the only flu vaccine made in a “100% egg-free system using modern cell culture technology, making it unnecessary to use an infectious influenza virus or antibiotics in manufacturing.” In addition to be being safer -- it is highly purified and does not contain any preservatives -- Flublok also has three times more protective ingredients than traditional flu vaccines, the company says.