Sanofi dengue vax gets EMA ok, despite Philippines scandal

Oct. 19, 2018

Sanofi's dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, has been recommended for approval in Europe by the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use.

This is the same vaccine that was the center of a health scandal in the Philippines. In late 2017, Sanofi conceded that the risk of contracting an extreme form of dengue is higher in vaccinated patients who’ve never been infected. The Philippines FDA subsequently suspended clearance for the vaccine, as well as fined the French drugmaker.

Dengvaxia is the furthest-along vaccine for the disease, though about five additional vaccine candidates are also in development, according to World Health Organization. The international health group has recommended the vaccine only be used in individuals who have already been infected with dengue, along with other safety measures.

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