Sanofi Pasteur releases influenza vaccine

Sanofi Pasteur on Tuesday launched “IDflu 15 microgram (intradermal),” the world’s first intradermal-influenza vaccine product, targeting people over 60 years old.

IDflu is a pre-filled syringe product with Vaxigrip, an influenza vaccine product in a 1.5 mm micro-injection system that is only one tenth the length of existing injection needles. It injects directly into the skin, where high density immune cells including dentritic cells and macrophages are delivered and where immune cell activity is very fast because a lot of cells and body fluids are exchanged. It is designed to reduce pain and fear caused by needles, the pharmaceutical firm said.

The product has been shown to have a 14 percent better effect with the same amount of antigens. It could benefit the elderly, who are more vulnerable to complications caused by influenza, the company said.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)