Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, has received an order from the French Ministry of Health to produce a vaccine against the novel A(H1N1) influenza virus.

This order from the French Ministry of Health provides for the initial supply of 28 million doses of the new A(H1N1) influenza virus vaccine in final presentation, and includes an option for an additional 28 million doses. This order was issued pursuant to an existing influenza pandemic vaccine supply agreement between Sanofi Pasteur and the French government that allows the French Ministry of Health to purchase vaccines for viruses identified by the World Heath Organization (WHO) as being involved in a declared pandemic or having a pandemic potential.

The vaccine will be manufactured in Val de Reuil, France. Dosage requirements for the new vaccine are yet to be determined and will be based on clinical trials outcomes. Final formulation, filling and distribution of the vaccine should be determined in the coming months as the mass-production process will be Sanofi Pasteur currently estimates it will have the first A(H1N1) vaccine doses ready for public health officials within four to six months. This vaccine would help prevent the spread of the novel influenza A(H1N1) virus strain. Its availability for administration would be subject to regulatory approval.

Sanofi Pasteur remains in continuous communication with the WHO and health authorities around the world to help develop a tailored response to local public health needs.

Sanofi Pasteur operates influenza vaccine production facilities in Val de Reuil, France and in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania (United States). All Sanofi Pasteur influenza vaccine facilities have been designed and built to be able to switch from seasonal influenza vaccine production to pandemic influenza vaccine production. Sanofi Pasteur produces approximately 40 per cent of the influenza vaccines distributed worldwide and in the US produced more than 45 per cent of the influenza vaccines distributed for the 2008-2009 influenza season.