Vaccine company Valneva SE (Nasdaq:VALN) (Euronext Paris:VLA) on Thursday announced a partnership with vaccines manufacturer Serum Institute of India (SII) to expand access to Valneva's single-shot chikungunya vaccine in Asia.

This collaboration is supported by a funding agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

The partnership aims to address the significant burden of chikungunya in India and other Asian countries, particularly as India is currently experiencing a severe outbreak.

Under the agreement SII will manufacture and commercialise the vaccine in Asia, subject to local regulatory approvals. Valneva will supply the drug substance to SII. The companies will share profits and milestone payments.

Both companies, along with CEPI, are committed to ensuring equitable access to the vaccine in low- and middle-income countries in the region.