The introduction of AVAXIM Junior in the UK was based on findings from 20 clinical studies in 14 nations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas
An electron micrograph of the Hepatitis A virus. (Credit: CDC/Betty Partin from Wikimedia Commons)
French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has introduced AVAXIM Junior in the UK for active immunisation against infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus in children aged 1-15 years.
AVAXIM Junior is an inactive hepatitis A vaccine that prevents infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.
According to the company, the vaccination schedule includes two vaccine doses injected by the intramuscular route six months to 36 months apart but can be offered up to seven years apart.
The introduction in the UK was based on findings from 20 clinical studies in 14 nations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
The studies involved around 6,200 children aged 12 months to 15 years who were dosed with at least one dose of the vaccine for the clinical trial.
As per the results, AVAXIM Junior was effective in generating a protective antibody response within two weeks in around 95% of the total individuals.
It also induced antibodies in nearly 100% of children before the booster dose was administered six months after the first dose.
Sanofi Vaccines UK and Ireland general manager Rebecca Catterick said: “Hepatitis A is one of the most prevalent travel-related vaccine-preventable diseases, so the availability of effective options like AVAXIM Junior will offer parents peace of mind knowing that they can help protect their children when travelling to high-risk areas.”
The company said that AVAXIM Junior can be used for primary and booster vaccination both as per the official recommendations.
It is a ready-to-use suspension for injection containing 80 antigen units of inactivated hepatitis A virus. The vaccine is available in 0.5ml unidoses of pre-filled syringes with attached needles.
In March this year, Sanofi announced its decision to acquire American biopharmaceutical company Provention Bio for an equity value of around $2.9bn.
The transaction will add a fully-owned disease-modifying treatment for the delay of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D), Tzield, to Sanofi’s asset range in General Medicines.