Sanofi launches injectable polio vaccine in India

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of French pharmaceutical major Sanofi, announced today the launch of ShanIPV, an injectable inactivated polio (IPV) vaccine.

The vaccine will be manufactured by Hyderabad-based Shantha Biotechnics Private Limited, an affiliate of Sanofi Pasteur.

Shantha will provide 2.3 million doses of ShanIPV in 2015, and 9 million in 2016 to Unicef for India's needs. The company plans to produce a total of over 10 million doses in 2016 with additional increases planned in subsequent years, the company said.

Injectable IPV is a part of WHO led initiative to move from oral administration of polio vaccine to injectables.

"Today, we are proud to further strengthen our commitment towards disease prevention and support the Indian Government's universal immunisation programme, including polio eradication. With the introduction of IPV in the immunisation schedule, our company is playing a key role in achieving the goal of a polio-free world,"said Shailesh Ayyangar, managing director- India and vice president-South Asia,of Sanofi.