Sanofi Pasteur To Produce Influenza A(H1N1) Vaccine For French Government

Sanofi Pasteur has received an order from the French Ministry of Health to produce a vaccine against the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

The company is set to produce initial supply of 28 million doses of the new A(H1N1) influenza virus vaccine in final presentation, and includes an option for an additional 28 million doses.

The order is result of an existing influenza pandemic vaccine supply agreement between Sanofi Pasteur and the French government, that allows the French Ministry of Health to purchase vaccines for viruses identified by the WHO.

The vaccine would be manufactured in Val de Reuil, France. Dosage requirements for the new vaccine are yet to be determined and will be based on clinical trials outcomes. Final formulation, filling and distribution of the vaccine should be determined in the coming months, as the mass-production process will be ongoing, said the company.

Sanofi Pasteur estimates that it will have the first A(H1N1) vaccine doses ready for public health officials within four to six months.