Menomune® is the first quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine prequalified by the WHO

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today that one of its quadrivalent vaccines to prevent invasive meningococcal disease has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The prequalification procedure accepts Menomune® vaccine for purchase by United Nations Agencies. The UNICEF supply division has been notified of Menomune vaccine’s acceptance by the WHO.

The purpose of the United Nations prequalification assessment is to provide assurance that candidate vaccines meet WHO recommendations on quality, safety and efficacy, including compliance with WHO’s recommended standards for good manufacturing practice (GMP) and good clinical practice (GCP). This Menomune vaccine prequalification was performed through a streamlined procedure in which the WHO worked closely with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Menomune vaccine is designed for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 for use in persons 2 years of age and older. It is the first quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine pre-qualified by the WHO. The WHO notification to UNICEF states that following the evaluation of consistency of final product characteristics, GMP and quality system audits of the manufacturing facilities, and follow-up of implementation of recommendations made by WHO reviewers during the evaluation, Menomune vaccine has been found acceptable. It is manufactured in Pennsylvania, USA.

“Sanofi Pasteur’s commitment to help protect against meningococcal disease began almost 40 years ago with the introduction of a monovalent vaccine that offered protection against serogroup A and a bivalent vaccine that offered protection against serogroups A and C,” said Olivier Charmeil, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi Pasteur. “Our commitment to remaining at the forefront of advancing the prevention of meningococcal disease, worldwide, continues today.”

Menomune – A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine was first licensed by the U.S. FDA in 1981. It is now licensed in 17 countries with more than 22 million doses shipped worldwide since it first became available.

“The value of a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is becoming more and more realized as evidenced by the circulation of the W-135 strain in the western part of the African meningitis belt this past year,” explained Luc Kuykens, M.D., M.P.H., Sanofi Pasteur’s Chief Medical Officer. “Menomune is a proven vaccine with a 32-year track record of providing broad protection against this serious disease, so we try to keep a stockpile of the vaccine in case of any outbreaks.”

About Meningococcal Disease

Although rare, meningococcal disease can cause meningitis (swelling of the brain or spinal cord) or meningococcemia (blood infection). The disease can be spread through common everyday activities, such as sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses, living in close quarters or attending crowded events. Meningococcal disease can be hard to recognize, especially in its early stages, because symptoms are similar to those of more common viral illnesses. Unlike more common illnesses, the disease can progress quickly and may cause death or disability in just a single day.

About Menomune Vaccine

Indication

Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine is indicated for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine is approved for use in persons 2 years of age and older. Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine does not prevent N. meningitidis serogroup B disease.

Safety Information

The most common local and systemic adverse reactions include injection site pain, redness, and swelling; headaches, malaise, and fever. Other adverse reactions may occur. Menomune-A/C/Y/W- 135 vaccine is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to any components of the vaccine (including thimerosal). Vaccination with Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine may not protect all individuals.

Before administering Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135 vaccine, please see full Prescribing Information.