To further bolster the ongoing trials in Thailand and Philippines, the vaccines division of Sanofi-Aventis Group (Sanofi Pasteur) has initiated clinical studies of its investigational tetravalent dengue vaccine in Singapore and Vietnam.

With these studies, Sanofi Pasteur is expanding its global dengue vaccine clinical study program in Asia where trials are already ongoing in Thailand and the Philippines. These studies are aimed at advancing the development of a novel vaccine for the prevention of dengue in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sanofi Pasteur's dengue vaccine research program includes ongoing clinical studies in Mexico, Peru, Philippines and Thailand, with adults and children.

The goal of the pediatric clinical study in Thailand is to assess the efficacy of the vaccine in protecting children against symptomatic dengue infection. Sanofi Pasteur's tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate is believed to be the first to reach this stage of clinical development.

Tran Huu, director of Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, said: "Fighting against dengue is a main public health priority in Vietnam. About 100,000 people are infected each year, mostly children. The Pasteur Institute is committed to supporting clinical studies for a dengue vaccine that would ultimately benefit children in Vietnam."

Sanofi-Aventis, a global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions. Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi-Aventis Group, offers a range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases.

**********