Dr Harish Iyer, CEO, Shantha Biotechnics
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, announced that its Hyderabad-based affiliate Shantha Biotechnics has delivered the first 400,000 doses of its pediatric pentavalent vaccine Shan5 to support the immunization of children in the cities of Gwalior and Jabalpur, both in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.
In December 2014, following a two-year international tender, Shantha was awarded to supply global health organizations with a total of 37 million doses of Shan5 in 2015 and 2016, in a ten-dose vial presentation.
This tender provides the basis upon which purchase orders will be made for specific vaccine deliveries throughout the period, depending on country needs.
"We are pleased to have obtained this first tender award since Shan5 was registered and WHO-prequalified in April 2014", said Dr Harish Iyer, CEO, Shantha. "As one of the strategic manufacturing platforms for Sanofi Pasteur, Shantha is delivering on its commitment to serve Indian health needs and provide access in underserved vaccine markets."
The Shan5 vaccine will be used in the routine immunization programs of a number of Gavi-supported countries, enabling up to ten million children to receive protection from five pediatric diseases.
"This supply illustrates how Shantha and Sanofi Pasteur meet public health needs", said Mr Olivier Charmeil, Sanofi Pasteur president and CEO. "We are proud to contribute to making high-quality vaccines accessible to more children in developing countries."
