Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines global business unit of Sanofi, has launched India’s first innovative ready-to-use fully liquid 6-in-1 vaccine – Hexaxim. The vaccine, indicated for primary and booster vaccination of infants and toddlers from six weeks to 24 months of age, provides protection against 6 major childhood diseases - diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, haemophilus influenza B and hepatitis B.

The burden of the 6 diseases is significant, particularly in infants. Consequently, the WHO and the wide majority of countries around the world recommend vaccination against these diseases. India, under the Universal Immunization Programme, also offers protection against these 6 major diseases.

Globally, Hexaxim is the only combination vaccine with acellular pertussis (acP) and inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) to have received a prequalification by the WHO. Today, the vaccine protects infants in more than 60 countries, with 20+ million doses distributed worldwide.

Sharing his comments on the launch, Jean-Pierre Baylet, Country Head – Sanofi Pasteur India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, said, “We are very excited and proud to introduce India’s first 6-in-1 combination pediatric vaccine. Hexaxim brings to life Sanofi Pasteur’s mission to improve human health by developing superior innovative vaccination solutions against infectious diseases. Given the large influx of patients met by pediatricians in India, Hexaxim will offer convenience and ensure consistency in administering the right dose of each antigen every single time. At Sanofi Pasteur, with every new vaccine we launch, our aim is to raise the bar of care in vaccination of children.”

Hexaxim, during its clinical study assessment, was found to be safe and well tolerated as a primary series and booster vaccination in all schedules, countries, and ethnicities tested. Each dose of Hexaxim takes 24 to 36 months to be manufactured, of which 70% of the time is spent on quality tests. Sanofi Pasteur, a pioneer in the field of pediatric vaccines, has leveraged on its wealth of expertise in manufacturing complex combination vaccines to develop the world’s first fully liquid hexavalent vaccine.

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur produces a portfolio of high quality vaccines that matches its areas of expertise and meets public-health demand.