Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi launched Pentaxim, the first 5-in-1 combination vaccine in China to immunize against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The debut of the first 5-in-1 combination vaccine was celebrated with over 200 Chinese and international experts and hailed as the beginning of a new era in the immunization field in China. In order to facilitate the adoption of the new combination vaccine for the benefit of consumers, the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (CPMA) introduced a first-of-its-kind technical guideline for doctors at Points of Vaccination.

Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV-Hib) vaccine was first marketed in 1997. To date, more than 100 million doses of Pentaxim have been distributed in over 100 countries, and the vaccine has been included in the national immunization programs in 23 countries. Pentaxim vaccine is the first acellular pertussis pentavalent vaccine in China against five deadly childhood diseases. It reduces the number of shots from twelve to four, and achieves the same level of protection as immunized with single-antigen vaccines.

The launch of Pentaxim vaccine comes just eighteen months after Sanofi Pasteur introduced the first and only Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV) to China. It also adds to a long list of innovative vaccines that Sanofi Pasteur has brought to the country, including the first rabies vaccine, the first influenza vaccine and the first Hib vaccine.

Presiding over the launch ceremony, Christopher A. Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi, said: “We are truly excited and proud to bring the first 5-in-1 combination vaccine to China, and we are greatly encouraged by the confidence and support of immunization experts in China. Over a century after Louis Pasteur invented the world’s first rabies vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur remains committed to its vision which is a world in which no one suffers or dies from a vaccine-preventable disease.”

Experts pointed out that, in addition to less shots for infants and greater comfort for parents, the new 5-in-1 (DTaP-IPV-Hib) combination vaccine ensures better compliance with the vaccination schedule. Fewer shots also mean time saved for parents and more efficiency at points of vaccination.

Professor Shen Xuzhuang from Beijing Children’s Hospital commented, “The launch of the first 5-in-1 combination vaccine supports the shared commitment of the Chinese government and the scientific community to enhance preventive healthcare. Vaccination remains the only effective way to prevent infectious diseases, and combination vaccines are clearly the future trend of vaccine development because of greater convenience, comfort and safety.”

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