Eleven years of Inflexal® V-a virosomal adjuvanted influenza vaccine

Since the introduction to the Swiss market in 1997, Crucell (former Berna Biotech Ltd.), has sold over 41 million doses worldwide of the virosomal adjuvanted influenza vaccine, Inflexal (R) V. Since 1992, 29 company sponsored clinical studies investigating the efficacy and safety of Inflexal (R) V have been completed in which 3920 subjects participated. During its decade on the market, Inflexale (R) V has shown an excellent tolerability profile due to its biocompatibility and purity. The vaccine contains no thiomersal or formaldehyde and its purity is reflected in the low ovalbumin content. By mimicking natural infection, the vaccine is highly efficacious. Inflexal (R) V is the only adjuvanted influenza vaccine licensed for all age groups and shows a good immunogenicity in both healthy and immunocompromised elderly, adults and children. This review presents and discusses the experience with Inflexal (R) V during the past decade. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.