FDA gives Sanofi Pasteur the OK to expand use of Menactra vaccine

SWIFTWATER, Pa. The Food and Drug Administration has accepted an application from Sanofi Pasteur to expand the use of a vaccine in children.

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis, announced Thursday the FDA’s acceptance of its application seeking approval of Menactra (meningococcal [groups A, C, Y and W-135] polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine) for active immunizations of infants and toddlers against invasive meningococcal disease.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. The Food and Drug Administration has accepted an application from Sanofi Pasteur to expand the use of a vaccine in children.

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis, announced Thursday the FDA’s acceptance of its application seeking approval of Menactra (meningococcal [groups A, C, Y and W-135] polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine) for active immunizations of infants and toddlers against invasive meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can result in the death of a child within 24 hours. Menactra currently is approved for active immunization of patients ages 2 to 55 years.