The company had previously stated that it had reduced its supply expectations for Begrivac in non-US markets from 12 million doses to just four million. However, it now seems that the problems have necessitated a complete shutdown of Begrivac production at the plant.
Chiron is also currently awaiting the outcome of an FDA investigation at its plant in Liverpool, England, to determine whether it will be able to resume production of its Fluvirin vaccine. Production has been stopped at the plant amid similar contamination concerns. If the FDA inspectors give the green light, the company hopes to produce 18 to 26 million doses of Fluvirin for the 2005-2006 influenza season, with the vast majority of the supply going to the US market.