Merck Now Exclusive Distributor of Afluria

Merck & Co., Inc. has entered into an exclusive agreement with CSL Biotherapies, a subsidiary of CSL Limited, to market and distribute Afluria, CSL’s seasonal influenza vaccine, in the U.S., for the 2010-2011 through 2015-2016 flu seasons. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will assume responsibility for all aspects of commercialization of Afluria in the U.S. CSL will supply Afluria to Merck and will retain responsibility for marketing the vaccine outside the U.S. Afluria was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 2007. It is indicated for the active immunization of persons age 6 months and older against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B present in the vaccine.

With the addition of seasonal flu vaccine, Merck will market eight of the 10 vaccines on the recommended immunization schedule for adults in the U.S. CSL and Merck have been partners in vaccine development and marketing since 1980.