Hyderabad–Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, announced the dispatch to Unicef of a part of a consignment of six million doses of Shan5 – a paediatric pentavalent vaccine manufactured by its affiliate Shantha Biotechnics.
Shan5 is manufactured in Shantha Biotechnics’ new plant in the state and will be exported to Nigeria, Morocco and Rwanda through the UN agency.
Shan5, which was prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in April 2014, is a high-quality vaccine that provides effective protection for children from 6 weeks of age against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and hepatitis B.
Shantha Biotechnics is manufacturing Shan5 in a new facility, which is spread across 19,000 square-meters and located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Muppireddypally, Telangana.
The commercial production of vaccines started in May this year after getting the necessary approvals from the Indian regulatory authorities and the WHO.
“With a dedicated site for vaccines in the country, we are reinforcing our commitment towards disease prevention and public health in India and across the world,” said Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director – India and Vice President – South Asia, Sanofi.
“Across the world, a large number of babies today do not have access to modern vaccination programs. Our aim, at Shantha Biotechnics, is to fill this gap by providing large supplies of high-quality vaccines to emerging and low-income countries. Our new manufacturing site will help us to meet the purpose, ” said Mahesh Bhalgat, Executive Director & Chief Operation Officer, Shantha Biotechnics, India. (IANS)
