Valneva launches free chikungunya vaccine drive in Brazil amid rising infections

Valneva has initiated a free chikungunya vaccination campaign in Brazil, offering up to 500,000 doses. The move comes as the country faces a sharp rise in infections, with over a million cases reported since 2019. Meanwhile, the company's focus is also shifting towards its Lyme disease vaccine, now in late-stage trials.

Brazil's health crisis prompted Valneva to launch the pilot programme. The initiative targets adults aged 18 to 59 in ten municipalities, aiming for a vaccination rate of 20 to 40 percent. This follows regulatory approval from Brazil's ANVISA, one of only four regions—alongside Europe, the UK, and Canada—to greenlight the vaccine.

The company's chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, was recently pulled from the U.S. stock market. Valneva withdrew it voluntarily after the FDA raised safety concerns and imposed a clinical hold. Despite this setback, the vaccine remains available in approved regions, including Brazil.

Attention is now turning to Valneva's Lyme disease vaccine, VLA15. Developed with Pfizer, it is currently in Phase 3 trials, with key data expected by early 2026. Lyme disease affects hundreds of thousands in the U.S. annually, offering a potentially larger market than chikungunya.

The free vaccination drive in Brazil will provide up to half a million doses to combat chikungunya. Regulatory approvals for IXCHIQ remain limited to Europe, the UK, Canada, and Brazil. With the Lyme disease vaccine advancing in trials, Valneva is positioning itself for future opportunities in a broader market.