CSL Seqirus Partners With PAHO to Expand Flu Vaccines in Latin America

Vaccine manufacturer CSL Seqirus has announced a long-term partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Revolving Fund aimed at strengthening influenza vaccine supply and improving disease protection across Latin America.

Under the multi-year agreement, CSL Seqirus will supply its portfolio of influenza vaccines to countries across the region. The initiative will also involve collaboration with Sinergium Biotech to localize vaccine filling and distribution at the company’s manufacturing facility in Garín, located in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

The partnership is designed to improve the reliability and scalability of influenza vaccine supply for PAHO member states while strengthening regional manufacturing capabilities. As part of the agreement, CSL Seqirus and Sinergium Biotech plan to invest $10 million to enable technology transfer and expand local manufacturing capabilities. This investment will build on a previous $25 million investment made by Sinergium Biotech to increase filling capacity at its production plant.

Public health experts say the agreement could help improve access to vaccines in a region where seasonal influenza continues to place significant strain on healthcare systems. Influenza is a rapidly evolving virus and remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide. Although many infections are mild, severe cases can result in hospitalization or death, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Data compiled by the Pan American Health Organization suggests the scale of the challenge. In six South American countries with a combined population of around 307 million people, influenza is estimated to cause between 51 million and 78 million mild-to-moderate illnesses annually. The disease also leads to between roughly 323,000 and 490,000 hospitalizations each year and may be responsible for as many as 46,000 deaths during severe influenza seasons.

CSL Seqirus executives say the new alliance will combine the company’s influenza vaccine technologies with PAHO’s regional public health infrastructure. Lorna Meldrum said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening disease prevention efforts across the Americas while improving long-term resilience against future outbreaks.

According to Gonzalo Pereira, the partnership will also introduce advanced vaccine technologies to the region, including cell-based influenza vaccines and adjuvanted formulations designed to improve immune responses.

Cell-based vaccines are produced using cultured cells rather than traditional egg-based manufacturing, which can sometimes introduce genetic changes that reduce how closely the vaccine matches circulating virus strains. Studies suggest these vaccines may provide improved protection in certain situations.

The company also highlighted the importance of MF59 adjuvant technology, which is designed to boost immune responses in older adults whose immune systems may not respond as strongly to standard vaccines. This approach can help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization among people aged 65 and older.

Beyond seasonal vaccination programs, the companies say the partnership could also play a role in strengthening pandemic preparedness in the region. Modern cell-based manufacturing processes are considered more scalable and less dependent on specific raw materials, making them well suited for responding to emerging infectious disease threats.

Through the collaboration, CSL Seqirus, PAHO, and Sinergium Biotech aim to improve vaccine access, strengthen regional manufacturing infrastructure, and enhance protection against influenza across Latin America.