Sanofi Advances Beyfortus®, the First and Only RSV Preventive for All Infants, with New Progress in China

And once again reached a strategic cooperation with Shanghai CDC to jointly protect the health of Chinese babies.

ShanghaiNovember 8, 2023/PR Newswire/ -- Committed to"Explore Scientific Wonders, Revitalize Life's Brilliance"'s mission, inField of Immunoprophylaxis, Sanofi brings innovative preventive measures for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV, hereinafter referred to as RSV) - Beyfortus^®A number of transformative innovations, including those produced in China, were showcased at the 6th China International Import Expo."Miracle Lab"Booth.

AsThe World's FirstAnd OnlyOneLong-Acting Preventive Measure for Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Related Diseases in All Infant Populations, Beyfortus^®Only one injection is needed to protect infants throughout the RSV season.^*Providing continuous protection in China^[1],[2]Thanks to the strong spillover effect of the CIIE, Beyfortus^®Debuted globally at the fifth CIIE last year, and in May this year, it was included in the priority review process by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China, entering the fast track for approval.

The world's first and only long-acting preventive measure against respiratory syncytial virus-related diseases for all infant populations: Beyfortus®

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that is the leading cause of hospitalization for infant lung infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.^[3]，[4]. The virus is particularly dangerous for infants under 1 year of age. Some infants under 1 year of age who are infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are prone to "recurrent wheezing," which is a manifestation of impaired lung function, and its effects can last for more than 10 years.^[5]. China is one of the countries with high prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) globally.^[6], and there are currently no effective preventive measures. Clinically, treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic and supportive care. Therefore, the prevention gap in this field urgently needs to be filled.

On November 7, Sanofi hosted the thematic event "Protecting Every Baby's Growth, Joining Hands to Defend Against RSV Disease." During the event, two mothers of patients shared their children's hospitalization experiences after being infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the heavy burden it brought to their families. They also reminded new parents to pay special attention to the prevention of RSV as winter and spring approach.

Professor Tao Duan from the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Care Hospital mentioned in a dialogue: "After infants and newborns are infected with the respiratory syncytial virus, the condition often develops rapidly and severely. This virus not only causes repeated infections but may even have long-term effects on lung function. Notably, many parents of newborns still have very limited awareness of its severity and harmfulness." He called on all sectors of society to pay attention to the prevention of the respiratory syncytial virus, form a united effort, and jointly protect the respiratory health and happy childhood of babies in China.

Professor Duan Tao from the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Care Hospital in Conversation with the Mother of a Young Patient

At the event, Deng Jikui, Chief Physician of the Infectious Diseases Department at Shenzhen Children's Hospital, also provided an interpretation of the "Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Children." He noted that data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that RSV is the leading viral pathogen causing acute respiratory infections in children under five in China, with infants under one year old bearing the heaviest disease burden. He emphasized that there are currently no specific treatments or vaccines available in China to effectively address RSV infection in infants.Passive immunity is expected to offer new possibilities in prevention.

Deng Jikui, Chief Physician of the Infectious Diseases Department at Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Interprets Guidelines and Consensus

To safeguard the healthy growth of Chinese babies, at this year's CIIE, Sanofi partnered with Shanghai's leading high-end private healthcare service provider in the field of obstetrics and pediatrics, MeiHua World Medical, to establish a strategic cooperation on "Innovation and Practice in the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease in Infants." Wang Wei, Chairman and CEO of MeiHua World Medical, stated: "I am delighted to seize the opportunity of the CIIE to form a strategic partnership with Sanofi. I believe that by combining Sanofi’s expertise in infant disease prevention with MeiHua World Medical’s clinical professionalism, we can jointly promote vaccination as a long-term health strategy, providing more comprehensive protection for infants' respiratory health."

Sanofi Partners with Mei Hua Ward Medical to Reach Strategic Cooperation

Disease prevention and control are important components of building "Healthy China 2030." On November 8, Sanofi and the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Strategic Cooperation Project for Immunization and Prevention at the CIIE venue. This marks their renewed collaboration following the initial agreement signed in 2019. After three years of joint efforts, the primary objectives of the first strategic cooperation plan have been successfully accomplished. Under this new agreement, both parties will continue to collaborate in establishing application and evaluation systems for preventive biological products, advancing vaccination strategies for key populations, coordinating mechanisms to ensure vaccine supply, and strengthening public health talent development. These initiatives aim to promote the development of immunization and prevention in Shanghai, the Yangtze River Delta, and across China.

Sanofi Signs Agreement with Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Zhang Heping, Head of Sanofi Vaccines in Greater China, stated: "As a participant in all six CIIEs, relying on the powerful spillover effects of the CIIE, from a rich global R&D pipeline to multiple transformative innovations in the field of immunology, from innovative preventive measures to strategic cooperation in disease prevention, Sanofi will continue to be committed to bringing more 'innovative miracles' to the Chinese public and contributing more to the realization of 'Healthy China 2030'."

*The RSV season usually lasts about 5 months, and the clinical study of nirsevimab covered a total of 150 days, approximately 5 months.

[1] Griffin MP, et al. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(5):415-425.

[2] Hammitt LL, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(9):837-846. 

[3] Supplementary to Jain S, et al. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(9):835-845.

[4] Kenmoe S, et al. PLoS ONE,2020, 15(11): e0242302.

[5] Spencer JA, et al. J Theor Biol. 2022 Jul 21;545:111145.

[6] https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Jiq3M_ETKz1HksQJkAxRHw

About Sanofi China

Sanofi is a global leading innovative pharmaceuticals and healthcare company with the mission of "Chasing Scientific Miracles, Revitalizing the Radiance of Life." As one of the first multinational corporations to enter China after the reform and opening-up, Sanofi established its office in China in 1982. Currently, it operates 12 offices with diverse functions, 3 production bases, 4 major R&D centers, and 1 digital innovation hub. Its diversified businesses cover pharmaceuticals, human vaccines, and consumer healthcare. Walking hand-in-hand with China, Sanofi is committed to accelerating the introduction of innovative medicines and vaccines into China, continuously transforming medical practices, benefiting more Chinese people, and creating a better life for its partners, communities, and employees.

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About Sanofi

Sanofi is a global leading innovative pharmaceuticals and healthcare company. Our mission is to pursue scientific miracles and revitalize the brilliance of life. Sanofi's presence spans over 100 countries worldwide, committed to transforming medical practices and turning the impossible into possible. We provide people around the world with potentially life-changing healthcare solutions and vaccines that prevent life-threatening diseases, while placing sustainability and social responsibility at the core of our ambitious strategy.

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