Canada Reviewing Virus-like Particle Chikungunya Vaccine

With an unexpected number of chikungunya outbreaks reported in the Region of the Americas in 2025, Canada is taking action to ensure an ample supply of vaccines available.

In the past 20 years, the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus has emerged across many popular travel destinations.

Bavarian Nordic A/S announced today that Health Canada has accepted for review the Company's application for licensure of the single-dose, virus-like particle (VLP) chikungunya vaccine candidate, CHIKV VLP, for immunization to prevent disease caused by chikungunya virus infection in individuals 12 years of age and older.

The Directorate's acceptance of the application screening confirms that the New Drug Submission is complete, initiating a standard review procedure that may support approval of the vaccine in the first half of 2026.

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic, stated in a press release on July 22, 2025, "Pending approval, this vaccine will further strengthen our offering for Canadians seeking protection against serious diseases when traveling the world."

The VLP vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Commission, and the United Kingdom in May 2025 under the trade name VIMKUNYA®.

In the U.S., VIMKUNYA is commercially available at clinics and pharmacies.