About quadrivalent influenza vaccine
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine manufacturers include Sanofi, GSK, CSL Seqirus, AstraZeneca and Viatris, plus producers in China, Korea and India. Quadrivalent vaccines protect against four flu strains: two influenza A and two influenza B (Victoria and Yamagata). Because the B/Yamagata strain has not been detected since 2020, the US and most of Europe have switched to trivalent vaccines. Quadrivalent vaccines remain in use in some other markets. Pharmaceutical companies can source influenza vaccines through supply, regional licensing or technology transfer.
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine key facts
|
Property |
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine |
|---|---|
|
Strains |
Two influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and two influenza B (Victoria, Yamagata) |
|
ATC codes |
J07BB02 (inactivated split or subunit); J07BB03 (live attenuated) |
|
Vaccine types |
Egg-based inactivated; cell-based inactivated; recombinant; live attenuated nasal; adjuvanted; high-dose |
|
Example brands (quadrivalent forms) |
Vaxigrip Tetra, Fluzone (Sanofi); Fluarix Tetra (GSK); Flucelvax, Afluria, Fluad (CSL Seqirus); FluMist (AstraZeneca); Influvac Tetra |
|
Dosage form |
Suspension for intramuscular injection; nasal spray (live vaccine) |
|
Indication |
Prevention of seasonal influenza |
|
Strain updates |
Strains updated every year based on WHO recommendations |
|
Key change |
WHO advised in 2023 that B/Yamagata is no longer needed; US vaccines trivalent from the 2024–25 season |
|
Where still used |
Some markets in Asia and elsewhere |
|
Generic / biosimilar status |
Not applicable; each vaccine licensed separately |
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine manufacturers and licensing history
Quadrivalent influenza vaccines were introduced from 2012 to protect against both influenza B lineages, Victoria and Yamagata. They replaced trivalent vaccines in many high-income countries during the 2010s.
The B/Yamagata lineage has not been detected since March 2020. In 2023, the WHO advised that it should no longer be included in vaccines. The US switched to trivalent vaccines for the 2024–25 season, and most of Europe has also moved to trivalent. Manufacturers such as Sanofi, GSK and CSL Seqirus now supply trivalent versions in these markets.
Quadrivalent vaccines are still produced and used in some markets, including in Asia. Buyers should confirm whether a market still requires quadrivalent vaccine, the season's strain composition, WHO prequalification or national licensing, and supply timing before choosing a supplier.
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine dosage forms and dossier types
Influenza vaccines are supplied as injectable suspensions in prefilled syringes or multi-dose vials, and as a live nasal spray.
|
Form |
Strengths |
Typical dossier |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Inactivated quadrivalent vaccine (egg-based) |
15 mcg haemagglutinin per strain |
National licence; WHO PQ |
Most common type |
|
Cell-based or recombinant quadrivalent vaccine |
Per product |
US BLA; EU MAA |
Egg-free production |
|
Live attenuated quadrivalent nasal vaccine |
Per product |
US BLA; EU MAA |
Children and young adults |
|
Target market |
Dossier format |
Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
|
United States, European Union |
BLA / MAA (annual strain change) |
Now trivalent; quadrivalent no longer recommended |
|
Asia, other markets |
National licence |
Check whether quadrivalent is still required |
|
WHO / UNICEF tenders |
WHO prequalification |
Annual strain updates |
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine regulatory and patent status
Influenza vaccines are licensed separately and updated every year with new strains, based on WHO recommendations. Since the B/Yamagata lineage disappeared, the WHO and major regulators have moved to trivalent vaccines, and the US has used trivalent vaccines since the 2024–25 season. Quadrivalent vaccines remain licensed in some countries. Manufacturing processes may be patented, but the vaccine concept is not.
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine mechanism of action and therapeutic use
Influenza vaccines contain antigens, mainly haemagglutinin, from the flu strains expected to circulate. These trigger antibodies that protect against infection with matching strains. Vaccination is recommended every year, especially for older people, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine licensing and sourcing
Influenza vaccine suppliers and licensing partners typically offer seasonal vaccine supply, regional licensing or technology transfer. Buyers usually compare WHO prequalification, production platform, supply timing and price. Current offers and supplier contacts are listed among the quadrivalent influenza vaccine manufacturers on Pipelinepharma.
Frequently asked questions about quadrivalent influenza vaccine
Who are the main quadrivalent influenza vaccine manufacturers? Sanofi, GSK, CSL Seqirus, AstraZeneca and Viatris are major producers. Companies in China, Korea and India also make influenza vaccines.
Are quadrivalent flu vaccines still used? The US and most of Europe have switched to trivalent vaccines because the B/Yamagata strain has disappeared. Some other markets still use quadrivalent vaccines.
What is the difference between trivalent and quadrivalent flu vaccines? Quadrivalent vaccines cover two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains. Trivalent vaccines drop the B/Yamagata strain.
Why was B/Yamagata removed? The B/Yamagata lineage has not been detected anywhere since March 2020, so the WHO advised removing it from vaccines.
How often do flu vaccines change? Flu vaccines are updated every year to match the strains expected to circulate.
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