HIPRA's vaccine has received WHO prequalification, which is the world organization's seal of approval

With this approval, the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to reach markets beyond Europe

Girona, October 18, 2023 - BIMERVAX®, the vaccine developed by the biotechnical pharmaceutical company HIPRA, has become the first vaccine against COVID-19 to receive the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, which is the organization's seal of approval. With this approval, the vaccine will be able to reach countries beyond Europe.

The company welcomes this milestone and assures that it fits perfectly with the international service mission with which HIPRA's COVID-19 vaccine has been designed. In this sense, they emphasise that "as a recombinant protein vaccine, kept at a temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC, its logistics and distribution throughout the world are easier". They add that "it's a 'ready-to-use' vaccine, which means it doesn't need to be reconstituted before use, making it easier for health workers to use".

For the approval of a vaccine ('prequalification' in technical terms), WHO applies international standards to comprehensively assess and determine whether a vaccine is safe and effective. In addition, it conducts periodic reassessments, inspections, specific tests and investigations of these vaccines registered under the Prequalification of Medicines Program (PQP).

In addition to WHO approval, the HIPRA’s COVID-19 vaccine is approved by other authorities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Commission (EC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency from United Kingdom (MHRA).

About HIPRA

HIPRA is a biotechnological pharmaceutical company focused on prevention for animal and human health, with a broad range of highly innovative vaccines. With its claim “Building immunity for a healthier world”, HIPRA affirms its commitment to contributing with solutions that improve world health.

HIPRA has a solid international presence in more than 40 countries, with its own subsidiaries, 3 R+D centres and 6 production centres strategically located in Europe (Spain) and America (Brazil). Moreover, its extensive international distribution network keeps open marketing channels with nearly 100 other countries, thereby covering the 5 continents.

Research and Development constitute the core of its knowledge. HIPRA dedicates 10% of its annual turnover to R&D activities that concentrate on the creation and application of the latest scientific advances to the development of the highest quality innovative vaccines. To give added value to its vaccination experience, the company also develops medical devices and traceability services.