WHO reviewing data on Sanofi dengue vaccine, urges limited use; awaits approval in India

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday it hoped to conduct a “full review” by year-end of data on Sanofi’s dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.

The vaccine does not have regulatory approval for use in India.

The Philippines ordered a probe on Monday into the immunisation of more than 730,000 children with the vaccine that has been suspended following an announcement by French drug company that it could worsen the disease in some cases.

WHO reiterated its Nov. 30 recommendation that “as a precautionary and interim measure”, Dengvaxia only be given to people known to have been infected with dengue prior to vaccination.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier, referring to the WHO’s SAGE (Strategic Advisory Group of Experts) and its separate Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, told Reuters that the experts want to “meet before the end of the year”.