As a leader in the fight against influenza, sanofipasteur develops innovative approaches that are customized to specific patient populations. For seasonal flu vaccines, Intanza®/IDflu® is the first vaccine to be administered by means of a new intradermic injection system. This provides a more superficial injection into a subcutaneous layer within which the patient’s immune system is particularly active. Already approved by European authorities, a special version of this treatment is being developed for the US market. In late 2009, sanofipasteur received authorization in the US for the Fluzone® High Dose vaccine, which is designed for people aged over 65 who are especially vulnerable to seasonal influenza and its complications.
With the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic weighing on everyone’s mind, sanofipasteur has strengthened its position as leader in the global flu vaccine market and is extending its influence in emerging countries.
In 2009, there was ample confirmation of the key role played by immunization in public health strategies. SanofiPasteur worked closely with health authorities to fend off the pandemic spread of A(H1N1) influenza by rapidly developing, producing and registering a strain-specific vaccine, while at the same time continuing its seasonal vaccine production, for which the Group is the leading producer in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Another major event was the announcement of the results of the Phase III collaborative trial for an HIV vaccine, showing partial but statistically significant efficacy in HIV prevention for the first time.
Also in 2009, sanofipasteur reaffirmed its commitment to develop a vaccine against dengue fever, a disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide per year. This vaccine entered Phase II trials in 2009 and should reach Phase III trials in late 2010. The Neuville-sur-Saône site in France will take charge of production for this vaccine at the end of 2013, for a potential market value estimated at over $1 billion.
Sanofi-aventis aims to double sales within its human vaccines business between 2008 and 2013. To support this growth, sanofipasteur draws on a broad-based vaccine portfolio, a global footprint and a high-performance R&D team working through new partnerships. Its R&D portfolio contains 18 vaccines under development: 9 for new therapeutic targets and 9 improvements to existing vaccines.
Currently, the United States accounts for half of the global vaccine market. As a leader in this key market, sanofipasteur continued to grow through its strong position in the influenza vaccine segment, as well as in the market of vaccines for children where sales grew by 22.8%(1) due to the growth of Pentacel®. It is also present in the meningitis vaccines market with Menactra® and is continuing to develop innovative products.
(1) Growth at constant exchange rates.