Bavarian Nordic A/S has received approval from Health Canada for VIMKUNYA to prevent disease caused by the chikungunya virus in individuals 12 years of age and older. The single-dose vaccine is the first virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine approved in Canada for protection against the mosquito-borne virus, expanding preventive options for travelers to endemic and outbreak regions.

This approval marks the fifth regulatory authorization for VIMKUNYA. The vaccine has previously been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Swissmedic.

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic, stated that the approval is an important milestone in expanding global access to the chikungunya vaccine. He emphasized that the differentiated single-dose vaccine strengthens preventive options for Canadian travelers against a disease that can cause a significant and long-lasting burden.

Key Details of VIMKUNYA

VIMKUNYA is a single-dose, prefilled, adjuvanted VLP recombinant protein vaccine. It is designed to induce a robust seroresponse, with protective immunity starting to develop as early as one week after vaccination. The vaccine does not contain viral genetic material, making it non-infectious and unable to cause disease.

About Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease that has emerged across Asia, Africa, and the Americas over the past 20 years. It has been identified in more than 110 countries. Symptoms include fever, rash, fatigue, headache, and severe joint pain. While most patients recover, 30-40% may develop chronic symptoms lasting months or years. In 2025, more than 500,000 cases and nearly 200 associated deaths were reported worldwide.

Bavarian Nordic A/S has secured a government contract valued over DKK 700 million to supply its MVA-BN smallpox/mpox vaccine to an undisclosed country for delivery in 2026 and 2027. This agreement strengthens the company's position as a preferred supplier of vaccines for public health preparedness. While deliveries under this contract will commence in 2026, the majority of the revenue is expected to be recognized in 2027.

With this new award, Bavarian Nordic has now secured contracts in its Public Preparedness business for 2026 totaling approximately DKK 2,200 million. This figure represents an increase of approximately DKK 200 million compared to the level previously announced by the company. The overall financial guidance for the full year 2026 remains unchanged.

Financial Guidance for 2026

Bavarian Nordic maintained its revenue forecast for the full year 2026, anticipating revenue from the Public Preparedness business to reach DKK 2,300 – 2,500 million. The overall guidance for the company's total revenue in 2026 stands at DKK 5,500 – 5,700 million, with an expected EBITDA margin of approximately 28%.

Strategic Context

Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, emphasized the importance of the contract in supporting government efforts to protect populations against mpox and smallpox. He noted that MVA-BN remains a critical tool for both outbreak response and long-term stockpiling. Chaplin highlighted that ensuring reliable access to medical countermeasures requires sustained investment in preparedness, strategic stockpiles, and manufacturing capabilities that can be mobilized when needed.

The MVA-BN vaccine, marketed under various brand names such as JYNNEOS, IMVAMUNE, and IMVANEX depending on the region, is the only non-replicating mpox vaccine approved in several markets including the U.S., EU/EAA, and the United Kingdom.