Sanofi Pasteur completes construction of influenza vaccine manufacturing site

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines segment of Sanofi-Aventis, has announced the completion of a manufacturing facility for its influenza vaccine.

Built at a cost of $150 million (73 million pounds), the plant is 13,000 square metres in size and is forecast to come online in late 2008 or early 2009 after it receives licensing from the US Food and Drug Administration.

The site will allow the firm to double its production capacity in the US to 100 million doses per year to boost its protection of individuals against pandemic and seasonal influenza and further support public health.

David Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, said: “As the world’s largest supplier of influenza vaccines, Sanofi Pasteur is committed to addressing current and future public health needs by investing in a robust research and development program and an ambitious production plan for pandemic preparedness.”

He added that the construction of this new site including the most recent technology in vaccine production highlights the firm’s dedication to manufacturing the highest number of doses in the shortest possible time in order to meet the challenges presented by pandemic and seasonal influenza.

In 2006, Sanofi Pasteur produced over 170 million doses of influenza vaccine during the year, marking a 40 per cent increase in production capacity since 2003.

The firm reported the approval of a 160 million euro (108 million pound) investment at a formulation and filing facility at its Val de Reuil site to reduce the time-to-market for the vaccine.