A vaccine against a mosquito-borne virus, manufactured by Valneva at its specialist site in Livingston, has been approved for people travelling abroad from the UK.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted marketing authorisation in the United Kingdom for the world’s first and only chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ®.

The single-dose vaccine is licensed against disease caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in adults aged 18 years and over. The vaccine will be available to people travelling to regions where the disease is prevalent, including Brazil and India.

Brazil has reported the highest number of chikungunya cases, with over one million cases between January 2019 and July 2024, followed by India with 370,000 cases during the same period.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya are on the rise due to climate change and heightened human travel – with modelling suggesting that cases may be seen in southern European countries as conditions allow mosquitos to breed in greater numbers.

Chikungunya is a viral infection that causes acute fever and severe joint pain which are often debilitating and can persist for years.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 97% of individuals infected with chikungunya virus develop symptoms. A small proportion of patients may develop severe acute disease, which can lead to multiorgan failure.

The vaccine is currently approved in the US, Europe and Canada for adults, with regulatory authorities considering making it available to everyone aged 12 and up.

Juan Carlos Jaramillo MD, Chief Medical Officer of Valneva, says the decision is further recognition of the vaccine, and the medical need for a chikungunya vaccine:

“Travellers from the UK consistently rank among India’s largest tourist groups given cultural ties and shared history. With the current outbreak in India, it is critical to ensure UK travellers have access to this vaccine, not only for their protection when travelling to India or other chikungunya endemic countries but also to prevent potential chikungunya transmission when returning to the UK.

“Considering the significant risk chikungunya poses to individuals living in or traveling to endemic areas, it's crucial to ensure that the vaccine is accessible to people of all ages and capable of potentially offering long-term protection from a single shot.”

In 2024, Valneva in Livingston was awarded both the Outstanding Skills Development award, and the Innovation - Pharma Services and Drug Discovery title in the annual Scottish Life Sciences awards.

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