Dive Brief:
- Under a new collaboration agreement, Sanofi Pasteur will use VBI's technology, VBI Lipid Particle Vaccine (LPV), as part of its vaccine R&D.
- VBI developed the LPV technology to act as a stabilizer in vaccines and biologics.
- As part of the agreement, Sanofi has the option to acquire certain worldwide rights to VBI LPV.
Dive Insight:
Sanofi Pasteur continues to be a leader in innovation in vaccines. Its portfolio includes vaccines against polio, pertussis, influenza, pneumonia and meningitis. In addition, Sanofi also manufactures vaccines for travelers. In 2014, overall vaccine sales increased 7.2% to $4.3 billion. The fourth quarter, in particular, was strong, as influenza vaccine sales increased by 59.1% overall.
As part of its commitment to vaccine development, Sanofi Pasteur has continued to innovate in various ways, including introducing various types of quadrivalent vaccines, creating targeted vaccines and providing various delivery options.
The latest focus on thermostability is important, because stability affects vaccine potency, safety and patient access. Making more stable vaccines is especially important for patients in areas where lack of refrigeration and proper storage facilities for vaccine is a challenge. In this case, creating a more stable vaccine can significantly improve community-based public health.