Sanofi Pasteur to add 2D barcode to six more vaccines

SWIFTWATER, Pa., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN andNYSE: SNY), announced today it will transition six more products of its pediatric vaccine portfolio to two-dimensional (2D) barcoding technology by the beginning of 2013.

Below is the schedule for the roll out of the vaccines that will feature the 2D barcode:

• Q3, 2012: Adacel^® (Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed) vaccine

Fluzone^® (Influenza Virus Vaccine) unit-dose vials

• Q4, 2012: Daptacel^® (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed)

Tenivac™ (Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed) vials

IPOL^® (Poliovirus Vaccine Inactivated) in multi-dose vial presentation

• Q1, 2013: Pentacel^® (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed, Inactivated Poliovirus and Haemophilus b Conjugate (Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate)) vaccine

In December 2011, Sanofi Pasteur became the first vaccine company to launch the new technology, which is designed to reduce medical errors and help health care providers document vaccine information in patient records with greater accuracy by offering more product information.

Sanofi Pasteur participated in a group led by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that included key partners such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); GS1, an internationally-recognized organization dedicated to the development of global standards; and multiple manufacturers, to develop a single standard for the 2D barcode on vaccines.

Two-dimensional barcodes contain more data, including lot numbers and expiration dates, than was possible in standard linear barcodes. The barcodes are printed on the "unit-of-use," or the vials and syringes that contain the vaccines.

"Accurate information reduces errors, meaning greater safety for the patient and potential savings for the physician through better management of their vaccines," said David Greenberg, M.D., senior director, U.S. Scientific and Medical Affairs, Sanofi Pasteur. "With the implementation of this new technology, physicians will benefit from having fewer manual steps in the vaccine management process in their practice."

To aid adoption of the technology by physicians, AAP has developed a clinical guidance for physicians to help practices use 2D barcoding with their electronic medical record (EMR) or state immunization information system (registry) www.aap.org/immunization. The CDC is also assessing the technology for vaccines in a pilot program, which begins in August. Details of the pilot can be found at www.2dbarcodepilot.com.

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us

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SOURCE Sanofi Pasteur