During 2021 Influenza vaccines and the adjuvant MF59 were manufactured at this facility: four distinct products for the market, Agrippal®, Fluad®, Fluad QIV®, (seasonal influenza strain presentations, the latter two formulated with MF59 adjuvant) and Aflunov (pre-pandemic strain presentation).
Cultivation of egg adapted influenza viruses. Four strains are incorporated within the vaccine (Quadrivalent), trade name Fluad QIV®. Three strains are incorporated within the vaccine (Trivalent), trade name Agrippal® or Fluad® for the Northern Hemisphere and Fluad QIC ® for the Southern Hemispehere.
Seasonal strains are produced from egg adapted influenza viruses produced by classical reassortant techniques or using wild-type strains. Seasonal strains are handled at biosafety containement level 2. Production of pandemic and pre-pandemic vaccine requires the use of genetically attenuated influenza strains. These are manufactured under a “GM consent” licence from the UK Competent Authority. These are contained under Biosafety level 2 + (enhanced).
The manufacturing facilities in Liverpool produce egg-based bulk influenza drug substance. These are formulated into a final bulk vaccine within the same premises. Fill and Finish is completed at the Liverpool Site and also at CMO facilities around the world.