Sanofi’s rabies vaccine

Verorab®, an inactivated rabies vaccine indicated for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis of rabies in all age groups was launched in March by French pharmaceutical and healthcare company, Sanofi. The vaccine was launched after trial on over 13,000 on individuals was completed.

Rabies, a viral disease which is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, is usually contracted from a bite, scratch or lick of a rabid animal. It can result in muscle spasms, mental confusion, fever and paralysis. The vaccine has shown positive results in both pre- and post-exposure clinical trials and has been approved and is widely used in over 80 countries, since it first licensure in France in 1985. 

Rebecca Catterick, UK and Ireland Sanofi Vaccines General Manager, said: “Rabies is a fatal, travel-related vaccine-preventable disease. The availability of Verorab® in the UK provides an effective immunisation option for those travelling to high-risk countries, as well as a treatment for post-rabies exposure.”