Sanofi’s (SNY) vaccines division, Sanofi Pasteur, announced that The Lancet has published data from a phase III study on the company’s dengue vaccine candidate.
The randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center phase III study enrolled 10,275 children aged between 2 and 14 years in Asia. The study compared the use of three injections of the dengue vaccine and placebo at intervals of six months.
Data from the study revealed that the use of the dengue vaccine resulted in an 88.5% reduction of dengue hemorrhagic fever (the severe form of dengue). Additionally, a clinically important reduction in the risk of hospitalization due to dengue (67%) and overall efficacy against symptomatic dengue (56.5%) was also observed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 100 million people suffer from dengue infection each year. Record breaking epidemics in several countries including Brazil and Singapore were observed in 2013. The WHO has targeted to reduce morbidity and mortality by 25% and 50% by 2020, respectively.
However, there is no specific treatment currently available for this disease, indicating an unmet market need. Sanofi aims to tap this market with its dengue vaccine candidate. Another pivotal phase III study on the dengue vaccine is ongoing in Latin America.
We note that Sanofi possesses one of the world’s leading vaccine operations with total sales of €3.7 billion in 2013. The company’s portfolio includes pediatric vaccines, influenza vaccines, adult and adolescent booster vaccines, meningitis vaccines, and travel and endemic vaccines. Sanofi also has a strong position in both seasonal and pre-pandemic influenza vaccines. Sanofi continues to expand its vaccine business. We expect a significant ramp in vaccine sales over the next several years.
Sanofi carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), AstraZeneca (AZN) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). All these stocks hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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