November 27, 2025

Boehringer Ingelheim gets positive opinions from European Medicines Agency for marketing of bird flu vaccines

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in preventive medicines for livestock, obtained positive opinions by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommending the granting of marketing authorisations under exceptional circumstances for its avian influenza vaccines VAXXITEK^® HVT+IBD+H5 and VAXXINACT^® H5.

Both vaccines immunise birds against the H5 avian influenza virus, which is currently causing outbreaks across Europe.

"Transboundary animal diseases like avian influenza will continue to be a threat, so new approaches to control these infectious diseases in animals, especially livestock, are increasingly important," said Armin Wiesler, Boehringer Ingelheim's head of the Animal Health Business Unit and member of the board of managing directors.

"Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to investing in research and innovation, and we are ready to support governments, health authorities, and producers with our vaccines and expertise in monitoring and in setting up robust disease control plans."

VAXXITEK^® HVT+IBD+H5 and VAXXINACT^® H5 are so called Differentiate Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) vaccines that can play an important role in monitoring disease outbreaks. These vaccines include a biomarker that distinguishes the immune response to vaccination from antibodies caused by infection.  In combination with surveillance efforts, DIVA vaccines are essential for reducing the risk of trade restrictions, as they enable both, exporters and importers to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals, ensuring confidence in the safety of traded animal products.

"By continuously monitoring the efficacy of our vaccines and advancing our technologies, we ensure the right protection against the evolving avian influenza virus," said Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry. "The DIVA feature allows our customers to implement their surveillance programmes and support safe trade while vaccinating. The positive opinions for VAXXITEK^® HVT+IBD+H5 and VAXXINACT^® H5 are critical to increase preparedness against avian influenza outbreaks in Europe."

Following the CVMP's positive opinions, the European Commission is expected to decide on marketing authorisations under exceptional circumstances in the coming months.

- Boehringer Ingelheim