Next from our series of conversations with experts at The World Vaccine Congress in Washington this April is our interview with Valneva’s Thomas Lingelbach, who joined us again to share some exciting updates on the team’s progress in various pursuits. Thomas is Valneva’s founding CEO, and we were delighted that he was prepared to return to our interview zone to continue the conversation we began last year. It was a pleasure to speak to Thomas again, and we hope that you enjoy the interview!
Chikungunya: continuing the progress
Members of our community may be aware that towards the end of last year the US FDA approved Valneva’s IXCHIQ for the prevention of chikungunya disease in adults at increased risk. As a world first, this is evidently a huge milestone for the company, but what are the next steps? To start with, Thomas is “very proud” of this and other achievements along the way. They are now “in the process of launching the vaccine in the United States”.
“At the same time, we continue our regulatory processes in other parts of the world.”
Thomas shares that this includes the European region, Canada, and Brazil.
Other products in the pipeline
While the chikungunya efforts are exciting, Valneva has been busy in other areas, too.
“So first of all, Valneva is a specialty vaccine company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of vaccines in areas of high unmet medical need.”
The lead Phase III programme is a Lyme disease vaccine in partnership with Pfizer, making “significant progress as we speak”. We can expect a readout at the end of next year; if successful, this solution could “not only address a huge unmet medical need”, but support people “preventing for a very devastating disease”.
Zika efforts
Further progress is being made in Valneva’s efforts against Zika virus. Thomas reflects that “we are one of the few companies working on Zika”, which fits “nicely” into the remit of vector-transmitted diseases.
“We have just started a new Phase I study with a new approach; we use a conventional inactivated whole virus approach, but second-generation, which we developed as part of COVID.”
This platform, now “optimised”, is being put to the test in the context of Zika.
Meeting these needs
The idea of an “unmet need” is a key theme for Valneva, so we asked Thomas to explain how he and his team ensure that they can meet these needs.
“Well, first of all, by thorough development, because at the end of the day, science will win.”
The team’s priority is the development of “safe and efficacious vaccines”, which is the “starting point”.
“Then, it’s all about making sure that we convince the right healthcare professional that we advocate for the disease for the burden, that we understand the health economical impact, and the benefit to human mankind that a preventative solution can bring.”
Finally, Thomas emphasises the importance of “ensuring global reach”, through “continuously expanding our own commercial infrastructure” and partnering with companies in different regions to “make sure that the vaccines get to everyone who can benefit from it”.
Why WVC?
The last question unpacks the reasons that our experts are joining us for the event. For Thomas and the team, it’s “always a big event” that offers an opportunity to “proudly present” their work.
“It’s also a big event because there’s a lot of networking going on here…we believe it’s a wonderful platform to bring the vaccine family together.”
With the lovely image of “family” our interview comes to an end; it was a pleasure to meet Thomas again and we hope that you enjoy watching the conversation. For another Valneva perspective, do read Chief Medical Officer Dr Juan Carlos Jaramillo’s opinion piece on climate change and infectious diseases here.
For more conversations with our experts from the Congress in April do make sure you subscribe for weekly updates here!
