AmerisourceBergen Signs 10-Year Agreement to Distribute Influenza Vaccine

Strategic Insights -

AmerisourceBergen Corporation has announced a significant agreement to distribute influenza vaccine in the United States through its ASD Healthcare unit. The 10-year deal with ID Biomedical Corporation marks a major commitment to increasing vaccine availability for hospitals and physician offices, with plans to purchase at least 12 million doses per year of Fluviral, ID Biomedical's influenza vaccine. This deal expands the sources of vaccine supply, allowing ASD Healthcare to diversify its offerings and reach a broader customer base.

Key Takeaways:

  • AmerisourceBergen's ASD Healthcare unit has signed a 10-year agreement with ID Biomedical Corporation to distribute influenza vaccine in the United States.
  • The deal commits to purchasing at least 12 million doses per year of Fluviral, ID Biomedical's influenza vaccine, pending FDA approval.
  • Distributor acquisition costs for the vaccine are currently around $7.00 to $8.00 per dose.
  • ID Biomedical is the largest producer of influenza vaccine for the Canadian market.
  • The agreement is expected to improve vaccine availability for hospitals and physician offices, with the goal of further diversifying the sources of this important vaccine.
  • AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group currently distributes available flu vaccine to primarily hospitals and physician offices, but the new agreement will allow them to expand their customer base in the growing flu vaccine market.
  • Steven Collis, senior VP and president of AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group, expressed excitement about the deal, highlighting its potential to improve vaccine availability for customers and their patients.

Statistics:

  • 10-year commitment to distribute influenza vaccine in the United States through ASD Healthcare.
  • At least 12 million doses per year of Fluviral vaccine to be purchased pending FDA approval.
  • Current distributor acquisition costs: $7.00 to $8.00 per dose.
  • 2005/2006 and/or 2006/2007 flu seasons: potential availability of Fluviral vaccine on an accelerated basis if approved by the FDA.
  • 2007/2008 influenza season: expected licensure of Fluviral in the United States.

Sources:

  • Health & Medicine Week editors
  • NewsRx.com
  • NewsRx.net
  • ID Biomedical Corporation (IDB; IDBE)
  • United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA)