TTY Biopharm announced yesterday that, in response to the rapid changes in the global influenza situation, the government has introduced an "emergency procurement of influenza vaccines" initiative to meet short-term public demand for government-funded flu shots. Understanding the budget constraints of the vaccine fund and aiming to minimize the impact on the 2025 procurement of seasonal influenza vaccines, TTY Biopharm successfully secured the support of CSL Seqirus, obtaining a portion of cell-based influenza vaccines free of charge for public welfare and agreeing to participate in this urgent procurement. Through these efforts, TTY Biopharm is actively supporting flu prevention and hopes to be a trusted partner for both the government and the public.
TTY Biopharm stated that recent surges in demand for government-funded influenza vaccines prompted CSL Seqirus, a leading global vaccine manufacturer, to collaborate by providing a portion of cell-based influenza vaccines at no cost. This initiative aims to meet the urgent demand for public vaccines while also reducing the government’s financial burden and mitigating the impact on the budget for next year's flu vaccine procurement.
Through its partnership with CSL Seqirus, TTY Biopharm successfully secured the emergency procurement bid and will work alongside the government to ensure the timely delivery of government-funded flu vaccines.
CSL Seqirus is one of the world's leading biotechnology companies. Its cell-based influenza vaccine, suitable for individuals six months and older, and its adjuvanted influenza vaccine, designed for adults aged 65 and above, have both been prioritized for recommendation by European and American health authorities across different age groups.
TTY Biopharm highlighted that cell-based influenza vaccines represent the next-generation in vaccine manufacturing. Despite their higher cost compared to traditional egg-based flu vaccines, TTY Biopharm introduced this advanced technology to Taiwan in 2020 and has participated in public vaccine tenders for five consecutive years. The quality and efficacy of these vaccines have been recognized by both the government and the public. TTY Biopharm will continue to participate in the 2025 public flu vaccine procurement, ensuring broader access to high-quality influenza protection.
With global aging trends in mind, CSL Seqirus has also developed an adjuvanted influenza vaccine tailored for older adults and individuals with immune aging issues. TTY Biopharm successfully secured the exclusive distribution rights and obtained domestic regulatory approval in 2023, introducing it into the private healthcare market. Given Taiwan's 4.6 million elderly population, this vaccine aims to reduce severe influenza cases and lower potential healthcare costs. The Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan and the Taiwan Academy of Family Medicine have jointly recommended that this immune-enhancing flu vaccine for seniors be included in the government-funded vaccination program.
TTY Biopharm CEO Sara Hou emphasized that supporting public health alongside the government and medical associations is part of TTY Biopharm’s corporate social responsibility. In 2024, the company launched the "375 Initiative", a three-year collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan, aiming to increase senior flu vaccination rates to the WHO-recommended 75% target. Beyond health education efforts, TTY Biopharm has also donated adjuvanted flu vaccines for public welfare, partnering with Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung to safeguard the health of the elderly population. Moving forward, TTY Biopharm will continue to work closely with the government and medical associations to build a healthier Taiwan.
Resource: 支援政府防疫！東洋攜CSL seqirus原廠合作 細胞疫苗得標
