The agreement provides up to 4 million doses of HIPRA’s protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, diversifying Europe’s portfolio and reinforcing its strategic autonomy
Brussels, October 3, 2025 – The European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has signed, on the request and on behalf of 14 participating countries, a joint procurement framework contract with HIPRA, the Spanish pharmaceutical company expert in vaccines and prevention. The participating countries will be able to order up to 4 million doses of the protein-based COVID-19 vaccine BIMERVAX®, adapted to the LP.8.1 variant, as needed depending on national context and with no minimum number of doses to be bought. The contract will run for a period of up to two years, with deliveries of the vaccines in time for the current vaccination season.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: “With a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases of the so-called “Frankenstein” variant, we need to ensure that continued protection against this disease is assured, especially to protect the most vulnerable. With a diversified portfolio of vaccines, now including access to up to 4 million doses of this protein-based vaccine, we are enhancing our preparedness and securing a supply of such necessary medical countermeasures against the ever-present threat of COVID-19. This vaccine from HIPRA follows an end-to-end approach, from R&D to production, located entirely in Europe, strengthening our strategic autonomy. We are committed to reinforcing our health security for a safer, healthier and better protected Europe.”
While mRNA vaccines are already available, this joint procurement contract diversifies the portfolio to citizens by offering protein-based vaccines. HIPRA’s vaccine, which has recently received Marketing Authorization from the European Commission after demonstrating that it generates immunity against the LP.8.1 variant and cross-protection against other emerging sublineages such as NB.1.8.1 and XFG, is ready for distribution in single-dose vials and can be stored between 2 °C and 8 °C with a 12-month shelf life1. Studies2-3 with original vaccine and its adaptation have shown that the vaccine is safe, less reactogenic than mRNA-based vaccine comparator and generates a strong and long-lasting immune response with broad cross-reactivity against emerging variants2-7.
David Nogareda, president and CEO of HIPRA, underlined that "this agreement is a sign of trust in HIPRA's ability to contribute to the protection of public health. From research to manufacturing, the entire process takes place in Europe, which allows us to guarantee quality, safety and strategic independence. With this contract, we strengthen not only the response to COVID-19, but also Europe’s preparedness for future health challenges".
During the pandemic, Europe faced challenges with export restrictions, global supply chains and competition for manufacturing capacity outside the Union. By securing an agreement with HIPRA whose R&D, production and fill and finish are located in Europe, Member States strengthen their strategic autonomy.
14 countries have signed the Joint Procurement Agreement, a mechanism at the EU level to jointly procure medical countermeasures on a voluntary and flexible basis. This mechanism contributes to EU-level preparedness for public health crises or pandemics.
About HIPRA
HIPRA is a biotechnology pharmaceutical company focused on prevention for animal and human health (one health), with a wide range of highly innovative vaccines and an advanced diagnostic service. With its claim “Building immunity for a healthier world,” HIPRA affirms its commitment to contributing solutions that improve global health. It has a strong international presence with 40 subsidiaries of its own, 3 R&D centers, and 6 production centers strategically located in Europe (Spain) and America (Brazil). In addition, its extensive international distribution network maintains open marketing channels with nearly 100 more countries, thus covering all five continents.
Research and development form the core of its expertise. HIPRA dedicates more than 15% of its annual turnover to R&D activities focused on creating and applying the latest scientific advances to develop innovative vaccines of the highest quality.
HIPRA offers an extensive portfolio of vaccines based on different technological platforms. Its R&D teams work with a wide range of technologies and more than 300 pathogens. To add value to its vaccination expertise, the company also develops medical devices and traceability services for animal health.
Press contacts:
José María Nieto – jnieto@harmon.es – M. 689 186 062
Irene Calle – icalle@harmon.es – M. 609 873 052
References
1. BIMERVAX® SmPC available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bimervax-epar-product-information_en.pdf
2. Corominas, Júlia et al. “Safety and immunogenicity of the protein-based PHH-1V compared to BNT162b2 as a heterologous SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccine in adults vaccinated against COVID-19: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority phase IIb trial.” Lancet Regional Health Europe. 2023; 28:100613.
3. López Fernández, María Jesús et al. “Omicron XBB.1.16-Adapted Vaccine for COVID-19: Interim Immunogenicity and Safety Clinical Trial Results.” Vaccines. 2024; 12(8):840.
4. Corominas, Júlia et al. “Humoral and cellular immune responses after 6 months of a heterologous SARS- CoV-2 booster with the protein-based PHH-1V vaccine in a phase IIb trial.” Vaccine. 2025, 47: 126685.
5. Martínez, Silvina Natalini et al. “Safety and Immunogenicity of a PHH-1V Booster Dose after Different Prime Vaccination Schemes against Covid-19: Phase III Clinical Trial Final Results Up To One Year.” Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research. 2024, 8: 326-342.
6. López, María Jesús et al. “Safety and Immunogenicity of PHH-1V Booster Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Including Omicron Subvariants: Results from a Phase IIb Open-Label Extension Study.” Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics 2025, 21 (1): 2474775.
7. England, Anna et al. “Variant-specific neutralising antibodies levels induced by the PHH-1 V SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Bimervax®) by HIPRA.” Vaccine. 2024, 42:126386.
