Manila seeks RM288m refund
Philippines may sue vaccine maker
MANILA: The Philippine government will demand a refund of 3.5 billion pesos (RM288.4mil) from vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur and look at possible legal action after a study showed the vaccine used in a dengue immunisation programme could expose some people to severe illness.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the government will also seek compensation for treatment of children who may develop severe dengue.
No deaths have been confirmed, but at least one immunised child has developed dengue.
The Department of Health has put on hold its dengue immunisation drive, which was launched last year and is the world’s first such public programme, after France-based Sanofi Pasteur released the study last week.
More than 730,000 public school children aged nine and above in three Philippine regions with high rates of dengue fever have received at least the first dose of Dengvaxia, the first licensed dengue vaccine.
Sanofi Pasteur said its long-term follow-up study of the vaccine showed sustained benefits for up to six years for those who had a previous dengue infection, but that people who never had dengue had an increased risk of a severe case and hospitalisation from the third year after immunisation.
“We will demand the refund of the three billion paid for the Dengvaxia and that Sanofi set up an indemnification fund to cover the hospitalisation and medical treatment for all children who might have severe dengue,” Duque said at a news conference yesterday.
He added that a government legal team would also look into Sanofi’s accountability.
The pharmaceutical giant initially claimed that the vaccine was safe and effective for all people aged nine to 45, but later acknowledged that it “is not recommended for people who have had no prior dengue infection” due to the risk of a severe case, Duque said.
At least one 12-year-old from northern Tarlac province developed dengue after being immunised but recovered, Duque said, although he did not say if Dengvaxia caused the infection.
Meanwhile, Sanofi Pasteur says it will cooperate in an ongoing review of the public vaccination programme and will share new information about the vaccine. — AP