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news.French drugmaker Sanofi has launched a project to develop a vaccine against the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is being spread rapidly in several regions globally.
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The company’s vaccines division, Sanofi Pasteur, will use its expertise in developing vaccine for the virus.
Sanofi Pasteur has developed vaccines against viruses in the same family as Zika, with licensed vaccines for similar viruses like yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue.
Sanofi Pasteur global head of research Nicholas Jackson, who will drive the project, said: "Sanofi Pasteur is responding to the global call to action to develop a Zika vaccine given the disease’s rapid spread and possible medical complications.
"In addition to the serious possibility of congenital complications associated with Zika, investigations are also underway to assess another reported connection between Zika and a dangerous neurological disorder."
The company’s move comes a day after the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus to be an international public health emergency.
The Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. It is generally mild and self-limiting, lasting two to seven days.
The symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, joint pain, itching, conjunctivitis or red eyes, headache, muscle pain, and eye pain.
Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika. Sanofi said vector control remains an important means of potentially controlling the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the virus.