First dengue vaccine likely to be available in H2 2015: Sanofi

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of Sanofi, announced here today that the world's first dengue vaccine could be available in the second half of 2015.
Results of the last stage of the clinical study showed that the dengue vaccine gives a 95.5 per cent protection against severe dengue and an 80.3 per cent reduction in the risk of hospitalisation.
Dengue has been a serious challenge to public health as it affects lakhs of people annually in India, the company said.
Sanofi Pasteur will file for registration of its vaccine candidate and subject to regulatory approval, the world's first dengue vaccine could be available in the second half of 2015, it said.

The vaccine will help prevent millions of patients who are at risk of acquiring the vector-borne disease, the release said, adding that company's phase III efficacy clinical study programme for its dengue vaccine candidate was conducted in over 31,000 participants across 10 endemic countries in Asia and Latin America.
"We plan to submit the vaccine for licensure in 2015 in endemic countries where dengue is a public health priority," President and CEO, Sanofi Pasteur, Olivier Charmeil said.
Country Head, Sanofi Pasteur, Dr Stephan Barth said dengue is a serious health concern in India, causing a significant but under-reported burden.