First Swine Influenza Vaccine to Use Sequivity Platform is Now Commercially Available
The first commercially licensed neuraminidase-based swine influenza vaccine is now available in the marketplace.
On Nov. 1, Merck Animal Health announced that Sequivity IAV-S NA (Swine Influenza Vaccine, N1 and N2, RNA Particle) vaccine is now commercially part of its swine product portfolio. The company received license approval for the vaccine from the USDA in 2022.
This is the first commercial vaccine that uses only the influenza neuraminidase (NA) surface antigen to vaccinate pigs against influenza strains H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2, the company said in a release. The NA RNA particles in the vaccine are produced using the innovative SEQUIVITY platform technology from Merck Animal Health that previously has been used to target existing and emerging swine pathogens.
"NA is a more conserved glycoprotein than hemagglutinin so with the carefully selected four NA genes included in the product, it offers broad cross-protection against circulating IAV-S strains," explains Brett O'Brien, VMD, swine technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. "This new NA vaccine provides an opportunity to overcome hemagglutinin-based maternal antibody interference that have historically hindered the capability to protect young pigs with vaccines containing hemeagglutinin (HA).”
Sequivity IAV-S NA use in pigs complements the use of Sequivity prescription HA vaccine in sows which is commonly used to stabilize sow farms for IAV-S, O’Brien adds.
What Makes It Unique?
Sequivity IAV-S NA is labeled for pigs as young as 3 days of age.
"Because of this, the vaccine gives producers more flexibility to include in their growing pig vaccination programs" O'Brien says. "We recognize that IAV-S is prevalent within U.S. swine herds and that the highest economic impact occurs in pigs infected with IAV-S at an early age so having a vaccine that can be given and provide early protection is key."
This product is labeled as a two-dose regimen with the first dose administered as early as 3 days old, followed by a second dose 3 weeks later. It is labeled to be given as a 1 mL intramuscular dose at each injection, O'Brien explains.
"The small volume size is designed for easier use in young piglets," she adds. "The product is safe to use in pigs 3 days of age and older."
How Does It Work?
The frozen vaccine is mixed with Microsol Diluvac Forte adjuvant at point of use, the company explained. The duration of the immunity against the H1N1 subtype is at least 12 weeks post-booster dose. The licensing trials demonstrated that the vaccine was safe and significantly reduced IAV-associated lung lesions and nasal shedding against five challenge strains from the H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 subtypes.
"It contains Merck Animal Health’s proven Microsol Diluvac Forte adjuvant that helps elicit an optimal immune response," O'Brien says. "There is no risk of shedding or reversion to virulence with this type of vaccine technology platform."
The company says it's excited to bring this innovation to it's customers as it demonstrates Merck Animal Health's mission to bring forward solutions to solve swine disease challenges and improve animal health.
“The Sequivity IAV-S NA vaccine represents a novel technological advancement and creates a new tool for influenza control programs," says Channing Sebo-Decker, DVM, swine technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health.
Sequivity IAV-S NA vaccine is available in 50-dose and 250-dose presentations. Learn more here.
