ProteqFlu

ProteqFlu is a vaccine for use in horses. It contains parts of two equine influenza (flu) strains, which have been inserted into two canarypox vector (carrier) viruses respectively. ProteqFlu is available as a suspension for injection.

ProteqFlu is used to vaccinate horses from 4 months of age against equine influenza. The vaccine reduces the clinical signs of equine influenza and the excretion (shedding) of the virus after infection. Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease that is very common in horses but rarely causes death.

The vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection (injection into a muscle). Horses should receive a primary vaccination, consisting of two injections at 5–6 months of age, given 4–6 weeks apart. This should be followed by revaccination 5 months later and afterwards by yearly booster vaccinations. In case of increased risk of infection or insufficient intake of colostrum (first milk), an additional initial injection can be given at the age of 4 months, followed by the full vaccination programme (primary vaccination and following revaccinations).

ProteqFlu is a vaccine which was produced with the use of recombinant DNA technology. This means that a gene from two different equine influenza strains (A/eq/Ohio/03 and A/eq/Richmond/1/07) was inserted into the canarypox vector viruses, which do not produce disease in horses, allowing the vector to produce specific proteins from these influenza strains.

Vaccines work by ‘teaching’ the immune system (the body’s natural defences) how to defend itself against diseases. When ProteqFlu is given to horses, the animals’ immune system recognises the specific proteins from the equine influenza strains as ‘foreign’ and makes antibodies against them. The immune system will then be able to make those protective antibodies more quickly when the animal is naturally exposed to the equine flu viruses. This will help to protect against equine influenza.

ProteqFlu contains an adjuvant (carbomer) to enhance the immune response.

The effectiveness of ProteqFlu was first assessed in several laboratory and field studies. In laboratory studies, horses were challenged (infected) with equine influenza virus and the clinical signs and the excretion of the influenza virus after the challenge were compared between vaccinated and control animals (non-vaccinated animals or those vaccinated with a competitor product). The measure of effectiveness in all studies was antibody levels against the two influenza vaccine strains.

Most of the studies were performed with ProteqFlu-Te, a vaccine that protects against two strains of equine influenza as well as against tetanus.

The immunogenicity of the current formulation of the vaccine was confirmed in 15 foals.

The studies showed that ProteqFlu was effective in reducing clinical signs and virus excretion after infection with equine influenza, 14 days after primary vaccination. The duration of protection was 5 months after primary vaccination and one year after the third vaccination.

The current formulation of ProteqFlu produced similar antibody responses against the two flu strains included in the vaccine to those seen in the main studies.

A short lived swelling at the injection site may occur (max. diameter 5 cm) which decreases within 4 days.

In case of accidental self-injection, medical advice should be sought immediately and the package leaflet or the label shown to the doctor.

The withdrawal period is the time allowed after administration of the medicine and before the animal can be slaughtered and the meat used for human consumption or milk used for human consumption. The withdrawal period for ProteqFlu for meat and milk is zero days.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) concluded that the benefits of ProteqFlu exceed the risks for the approved indication and recommended that ProteqFlu be given a marketing authorisation. The benefit-risk balance may be found in the scientific discussion module of this EPAR.

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union for ProteqFlu on 6 March 2003. Information on the prescription status of this product may be found on the label/outer package.