Sanofi Pasteur Lands US$190 Million Order from the US Government

Sanofi Pasteur has received the first of what is expected to be a series of orders from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commence production of an influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.

This order from HHS was issued pursuant to an existing pandemic stockpile contract between the company and the US government that allows HHS to purchase vaccines for viruses with pandemic potential. In addition to this initial HHS order, the company is in discussions with other governments to address their needs for A(H1N1) vaccine.

The order provides for the production of the bulk vaccine and related activities. The dosage requirements for the new vaccine are yet to be determined and will be based on clinical trials, which could begin as early as August. The order is in the amount of US$190 million.

Sanofi Pasteur is awaiting receipt of the seed virus to be used for vaccine production from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Once the seed is received, the company will begin development efforts to prepare a working seed for vaccine production. It is prepared to commence commercial scale production in June following certification of the working seed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).