Sanofi Pasteur’s new flu vaccine approved by FDA

Sanofi Pasteur announced this week that its new influenza vaccine, which will be marketed under the name Fluzone, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The vaccine is designed for use in those aged 65 and over – an age group more likely to be susceptible to the virus and its complications.

According to the company, the vaccine – which guards against virus subtypes A and B – will be prepared for distribution during the 2010/2011 influenza virus season.

Wayne Pisano, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, stated: “We are excited to introduce Fluzone high-dose vaccine which will provide healthcare professionals with a new vaccine to help prevent influenza in their patients over the age of 65.”

This news follows the announcement last month that Sanofi Pasteur has entered into an agreement with Syntiron, which will see the firm gain the licence to develop and commercialise the former company’s prophylactic vaccine against Staphylococcus infections.