Sanofi Pasteur receives EU approval recommendation for Hexyon

Sanofi Pasteur has been granted a recommendation from Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for approval of its new vaccine product Hexyon/Hexacima.

The European Medicines Agency committee has endorsed the drug for approval as a means of protecting infants against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and invasive infections caused by haemophilus influenzae type B.

Benefits of the vaccine include its fully liquid, ready-to-use formulation that eliminates the need for reconstitution prior to administration, while the combination of six vaccines in one improves compliance among infant patients.

Following full European Commission approval, the product will be commercialised in western Europe under the name Hexyon by Sanofi Pasteur MSD, while eastern Europe will receive the drug under its Hexacima branding.

Olivier Charmeil, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, said: "Upon licensure, we intend to introduce Hexyon/Hexacima vaccine in countries that are looking for improved and effective solutions for public immunisation programmes."

Last month, it was announced that Sanofi Pasteur MSD staff member Andrea Rappagliosi has been named president of the industry organisation Vaccines Europe, which reflects the company's position as a leading vaccines manufacturer.