EMA Lifts Suspension on Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine for Older Adults

Valneva's chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq, has had its suspension lifted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for adults aged 65 years and older. The suspension was previously paused in May due to safety concerns.

Valneva SE (NASDAQ: VALN) has announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has lifted the suspension on its chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq, for adults aged 65 years and older. The suspension, which was implemented in May due to safety concerns, has been lifted following a thorough review by the EMA's safety committee [1].

The EMA's decision comes after an evaluation of the vaccine's benefits and risks, particularly in older adults who face a higher risk of severe chikungunya infection. The committee concluded that the vaccine should be administered only when there is a significant risk of chikungunya infection, following a careful consideration of the benefits and risks [1].

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Joint pain can be debilitating and may persist for weeks to years [4]. The disease has been identified in over 110 countries and has caused significant economic impact, particularly in the Americas [5].

Valneva SE, a specialty vaccine company, has been developing, manufacturing, and commercializing prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases. The company has a strong track record of advancing vaccines from early R&D to approvals and currently markets three proprietary travel vaccines [2].

The lifting of the suspension on Ixchiq is a significant development for Valneva and the broader public health community, as it allows for the vaccination of a vulnerable population that is at increased risk of severe chikungunya disease. However, it is crucial to note that the vaccine should be administered only when there is a significant risk of infection, as determined by healthcare professionals [1].

References:
[1] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4466852-valnevas-chikungunya-vaccine-suspension-gets-lifted-for-older-adults
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/11/3114143/0/en/Valneva-Announces-Lifting-of-European-Medicines-Agency-s-Temporary-Restriction-on-Use-of-Chikungunya-Vaccine-IXCHIQ-in-Elderly.html
[4] https://jvi.asm.org/content/jvi/88/20/11644.full.pdf
[5] https://cmr.asm.org/content/31/1/e00104-16