The UK government and CSL Seqirus have expanded their vaccine partnership, including plans for the UK to become the first country to introduce AUJEMFLU from the 2027/28 influenza season.

The updated Comirnaty formulation targets the XFG variant and will begin shipping immediately for eligible older adults and people aged five to 64 at increased risk of severe COVID-19.

Meiji Seika Pharma group company KM Biologics and Serum Institute of India (SII) are collaborating to transfer technology for the development and manufacture in India of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine currently produced and marketed by KM Biologics in Japan. SII is expected to seek Indian regulatory approval as early as 2027, with the partnership intended to establish local manufacturing and supply of the vaccine for children in India.

The approval introduces the first messenger RNA influenza vaccine into the US market, expanding vaccine technology options for seasonal influenza prevention in older adults.

The updated vaccine is authorised for individuals aged six months and older and aligns the EU COVID-19 vaccination programme with the currently circulating XFG variant.