France, Lyon – June 22, 2012 – Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today that HexaximTM (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine) received a positive scientific opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as part of a procedure designed to evaluate medicinal products intended for markets outside the European Union. This is the first time the EMA gives a positive scientific opinion to a vaccine following that procedure. Hexaxim™ is the only fully liquid, ready to use 6-in-1 vaccine to protect infants against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.
"Our goal is to provide access to children throughout the world to the same standard of care for childhood immunization. Availability of HexaximTM ready to use 6-in-1 pediatric vaccine will raise the standard of care of vaccination for millions of children," said Olivier Charmeil, President and CEO of Sanofi Pasteur. "Upon licensure we intend to introduce HexaximTM in countries looking for improved and effective solutions in particular for public immunization programs."
The EMA scientific opinion is based on the review of a dossier submitted by Sanofi Pasteur through the "Article 58" procedure. The EMA assessment was conducted with the participation of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) according to the same quality, safety and efficacy criteria as vaccines authorized for the European Union. Many countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia grant market authorization based on the EMA scientific opinion.
"A 6 in 1 pediatric vaccine reduces the number of vaccination visits for infants. It is more convenient for parents to complete the recommended vaccination schedule and thus better protect their children against 6 major childhood diseases," said Dr Pio Lopez, Pediatrician, Infectologist, Professor at the Universidad del Valle in Cali and President of the Vaccines Chapter of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases (ACIN), and principal investigator for a clinical study of the vaccine in Colombia. "Hexaxim also includes inactivated poliovirus vaccine which is an important step to ensure communities remain polio-free."
Key benefits of HexaximTM vaccine:
HexaximTM is a fully liquid, ready to use vaccine; no reconstitution is needed prior to administration which improves convenience for health care professionals. It is available in vial and/or syringe presentations.
By combining six vaccines into one, HexaximTM reduces the number of injections, which improves comfort and vaccination compliance for infants.
The use of acP (acellular pertussis) antigens and IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine), both commonly used in North America and Europe, improves safety and reduces reactogenicity as compared to wcP (whole cell pertussis)-containing vaccines and OPV (oral polio vaccine). Upon approval, HexaximTM would be indicated for primary and booster vaccination of infants from six weeks of age in accordance with official recommendations.
The EMA positive opinion is supported by results of multi-center clinical studies involving approximately 4,000 infants in Argentina, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand. Phase III
clinical studies comparing HexaximTM to licensed combination vaccines demonstrated that HexaximTM is safe and induces a robust immune response against the six targeted diseases. HexaximTM complements Sanofi Pasteur's Acxim family of acP-IPV (acellular pertussis vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine) combination vaccines. To date, more than 180 million doses of Sanofi Pasteur's acP-IPV containing vaccines have been distributed in over 100 countries and have been included in the national immunization programs in over 30 countries. Hexaxim combines the same antigens included in the well-established vaccines Tetraxim®/Tetravac® (DTaP-IPV vaccine) and Pentaxim®/ Pentavac® (DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine), with Sanofi Pasteur's new hepatitis B antigen.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare,
emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY). Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more
than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us
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