Abstract
Panvax® (CSL Biotherapies, Parkville, Australia) is one of a number of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) vaccines fast-tracked for production, clinical trials and licensure in response to the emergence of the novel pH1N1 strain in early–mid-2009. Unexpectedly good immunogenicity following a single 15-µg dose was demonstrated in expedited clinical trials in adults and children. This facilitated early licensure and then rapid rollout for population immunization from October 2009. The vaccine’s safety profile in the Australian population has been excellent.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
Neither Jodie McVernon nor Terry Nolan have stock nor other financial interest in CSL or its products. Terry Nolan received an honorarium payment and travel support from CSL to attend a scientific meeting 3 years ago on research planning for a CSL experimental adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine, and he has received travel support from CSL to present data at WHO meetings on pandemic influenza vaccine trials. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has received payment from CSL to conduct a clinical trial on Panvax in children, and other studies on CSL influenza vaccines. Terry Nolan chairs the Australian Government’s Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which provides advice on the use, but not the purchase, of vaccines. Jodie McVernon has received honoraria and travel support from a number of vaccine manufacturers for contributions to advisory committees and presentation of scientific material at meetings and conferences. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.