Seqirus, the largest global producer of cell-based influenza vaccines, recently announced plans for a $140M expansion of its Holly Springs, North Carolina manufacturing facility. The plant will focus on meeting future demand for the company’s quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc). Seqirus developed the first cell-based influenza vaccine in the United States for individuals age 4 years and older, and an adjuvanted vaccine specifically for those age 65 and older.
The expansion will allow for additional formulation, fill, and finish processes, creating 120 jobs. The facility currently employs more than 600 workers. Construction should be completed by 2020. The Holly Springs manufacturing facility was built in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to guard against pandemic influenza threats. BARDA is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and resides within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 950,000 people in the United States were hospitalized due to influenza-related complications during the last influenza season. Seqirus is part of Melbourne, Australia-based-CSL Limited. The CSL Group of companies employs more than 20,000 people, with operations in 60 countries. It operates production facilities in the United States, the U.K., and Australia.
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