The French biotech firm has ended its cooperation with the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer to gain direct oversight of its supply chain.
In a sudden strategic shift, Valneva and the Serum Institute of India (SII) have mutually agreed to terminate their licensing agreement for the Ixchiq vaccine in Asia. The partnership, which lasted only one year, was originally designed to facilitate vaccine access in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).
Strategic shift in operations
Valneva’s decision to regain full rights stems from a desire to assume direct control over commercialization and logistics, particularly in high-risk endemic zones. This move allows the company to manage its supply chain with greater flexibility during a period of significant industry changes.
The past year has been a period of volatility for Valneva’s Chikungunya portfolio:
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Market competition: The monopoly held by Ixchiq ended in February 2025 with the market entry of Bavarian Nordic’s Vimkunya.
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Regulatory setbacks: In August 2025, the U.S. FDA suspended Ixchiq’s license following reports of serious adverse events (SAEs), effectively halting its commercial presence in the United States.
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Financial restructuring: The company lowered its 2025 revenue guidance and reduced its operational footprint in France, including the closure of a dedicated R&D facility.
Long-term outlook
Despite regulatory hurdles in the U.S., Valneva remains focused on high-burden regions such as Southeast Asia. Supported by funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the company plans to independently manage technology transfers and ensure that its single-shot vaccine reaches populations most affected by the mosquito-borne virus.