Merck Animal Health Announces Availability of SEQUIVITY® IAV-S NA for Swine Influenza

The novel vaccine is the first to use only the influenza neuraminidase (NA) surface antigen to vaccinate pigs against influenza strains H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2.

RAHWAY, N.J., Nov. 1, 2023 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that SEQUIVITY^® IAV-S NA (Swine Influenza Vaccine, N1 and N2, RNA Particle) vaccine is commercially available as part of its swine product portfolio. The company received license approval for the vaccine from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2022.  

The SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA vaccine 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 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.

“Merck Animal Health is excited to bring this important innovation to our customers as it demonstrates our mission to bring forward solutions to solve swine disease challenges and improve animal health,” said Channing Sebo-Decker, D.V.M., swine technical services veterinarian, Merck Animal Health. “The SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA vaccine represents a novel technological advancement and creates a new tool for influenza control programs.”

The frozen vaccine is mixed with Microsol Diluvac Forte^® adjuvant at point of use. Pigs can be vaccinated as early as three days of age followed by a booster three weeks later. 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.

SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA vaccine is available in 50-dose and 250-dose presentations. To learn more about our portfolio of swine health products and vaccines, visit www.DrivenByPrevention.com.

SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA PRODUCT LABEL: https://merckusa.cvpservice.com/product/view/1047585

Photo Caption: Merck Animal Health introduces SEQUIVITY IAV-S NA swine influenza vaccine. It is the first commercial vaccine that uses only the influenza neuraminidase (NA) surface antigen to vaccinate pigs against influenza strains H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2.

About Merck Animal Health

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals^®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

---