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MenFive is the first conjugate vaccine to protect against the five predominant causes of meningococcal meningitis in Africa, and has been pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Developed through a 13-year collaboration between Pune’s Serum Institute of India Private Limited. (SIIPL) and PATH, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
WHO pre-qualification, which ensures that the vaccine meets stringent international quality, safety and efficacy standards, has been supported by extensive clinical studies in Gambia, India and Mali that have demonstrated a high level of safety and immunogenicity.
Most importantly, pre-qualification allows MenFive to be purchased by UN agencies and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In an official statement, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla said, “The MenFive vaccine is a game-changing vaccine developed through a strong 13-year collaboration between SIIPL and PATH, and vital support from the UK Government, in the fight against meningococcal meningitis.” In Africa.As the first conjugate vaccine to prevent the five dominant causes of this deadly disease, MenFive offers hope for a future free of annual outbreaks and epidemics in the African meningitis belt.It is a big moment because together we are paving the way towards a healthier Africa, saving countless lives “.
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that appears quickly and can kill within hours. It can cause severe brain damage and sepsis, leading to amputations and being fatal in 50 percent of cases if not treated. Anyone can catch it, but children under the age of five — especially infants — may suffer the most severe effects, SIIPL scientists said. “MenFive is a much-needed medical intervention and our vaccine will protect against all five strains,” Dr. Rajeev Dheri, Executive Director of SIIPL told The Indian Express.
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