​International vaccine manufacturer, AJ Vaccines has received WHO prequalification for Picovax, a stand-alone dose sparing Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). First deliveries to UN agencies such as UNICEF and PAHO are expected by mid-2020.
Despite ongoing concerted efforts to eradicate polio, it appears to be on the rise again with more cases registered in 2019 than 2018. Looking ahead, AJ Vaccines’ dose sparing technology provides a significant opportunity to expand supply, with the potential to deliver up to 100 million doses over the five-year period 2020-2024 to help meet the currently unmet global demand for inactivated polio vaccines. The Picovax development project was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The new Inactivated Polio Vaccine is indicated for active immunisation against poliomyelitis by primary vaccination of infants from the age of six weeks, and for revaccination of infants, children and adolescents. The dose sparing IPV is shown to provide protection comparable to that provided by other inactivated polio vaccines currently available.
“The dose sparing technology secures a much-needed increase in supply, helping to meet the increasing demand for inactivated polio vaccines to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative,” commented Jérôme Cabannes, COO AJ Vaccines.
