Bavarian Nordic and Biological E Partner to Expand Chikungunya Vaccine Access in LMICs

• The partnership ensures broader access to the chikungunya vaccine in regions most affected by the virus.

• Biological E’s expertise in vaccine manufacturing will accelerate supply chain efficiency and meet growing demand.

Bavarian Nordic A/S has announced a strategic partnership with Biological E. Limited (BE) to enhance access to its chikungunya vaccine in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing the public health burden of chikungunya in endemic regions.

The partnership begins with a contract manufacturing agreement that enables Bavarian Nordic to scale its vaccine production for LMIC supply. As part of the agreement, Bavarian Nordic will transfer the drug product manufacturing process to BE, with the potential for future transfer of drug substance manufacturing. This expansion aligns with Bavarian Nordic’s strategy to globalise access to its chikungunya vaccine beyond Western markets while maintaining its own production capacity for commercial supply in the US and Europe.

Bavarian Nordic’s chikungunya vaccine, VIMKUNYA (CHIKV VLP), received FDA approval in February 2025 as the first vaccine for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) prevention in individuals aged 12 and older. The approval was based on two Phase 3 clinical trials, which demonstrated a strong immune response, with up to 97.8% of vaccinated individuals developing neutralising antibodies within 21 days. A positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) further supports expectations for regulatory approval in Europe.

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Expanding supply is a prerequisite for our ability to address the increasing need for solutions to prevent chikungunya in vulnerable populations in endemic regions, and we are dedicated to pursuing strong partnerships that can help us achieve this goal.”

Mahima Datla, Managing Director of Biological E. Limited, expressed confidence in the collaboration, noting that BE’s manufacturing capabilities and global vaccine distribution experience align with Bavarian Nordic’s vision for wider accessibility.

With chikungunya posing an increasing threat in tropical and subtropical regions, this partnership is a critical move toward strengthening vaccine availability where it is needed most. By leveraging BE’s manufacturing expertise, Bavarian Nordic aims to bridge the gap between vaccine innovation and equitable distribution, ensuring that populations in LMICs benefit from the latest advancements in infectious disease prevention.