Philippines launches world's first public immunization program against dengue
In clinical studies, Dengvaxia prevented 8 out of 10 dengue hospitalizations and up to 93% of severe dengue.
Sanofi lauded the Philippines as a "global frontrunner" in the fight against dengue. In addition to the markets where dengvaxia is already approved, the company expects further regulatory decisions in 16 other countries.
Dr. Cecilia Montalban, President of The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said: “This first dengue vaccine has been developed and proven effective in countries like the Philippines where dengue is a major public health priority. As a physician and a mother, I am proud that my country plays a historic role in dengue prevention.”
Dive Brief:
- The Philippines this week launched the world's first large-scale vaccination effort against dengue, aiming to administer Sanofi Pasteur's dengvaxia to 1 million students from 6,000 public schools this year. Dengvaxia was first approved in Mexico in December 2015, followed by the Philippines, Brazil, and El Salvador
- Dengue is particularly endemic in the Philippines, having one of the highest incidences of confirmed dengue among countries participating in clinical efficacy studies for dengvaxia.
- Dengvaxia is approved for use against all four serotypes of dengue fever, but only in individuals aged 9 to 45.
Dive Insight:
Sanofi Pastuer invested over 20 years of R&D into developing dengvaxia, recruiting over 40,000 volunteers across 25 clinical studies. Now, it is finally reaching countries desperately in need for a treatment to counteract the spread of dengue.In clinical studies, Dengvaxia prevented 8 out of 10 dengue hospitalizations and up to 93% of severe dengue.
Sanofi lauded the Philippines as a "global frontrunner" in the fight against dengue. In addition to the markets where dengvaxia is already approved, the company expects further regulatory decisions in 16 other countries.
Dr. Cecilia Montalban, President of The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said: “This first dengue vaccine has been developed and proven effective in countries like the Philippines where dengue is a major public health priority. As a physician and a mother, I am proud that my country plays a historic role in dengue prevention.”
