DOH vows to run after Sanofi

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. INQUIRER.net PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that it would not relent in making pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur accountable for the Dengvaxia antidengue vaccine controversy.

In a statement, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday said the agency would hasten the

filing of a civil case against Sanofi Pasteur, following its refusal to refund used Dengvaxia doses worth P1.6 billion.

“I have ordered that a civil suit be instituted against Sanofi Pasteur,” Duque said.

Earlier, the DOH said it would sue the French vaccine manufacturer over their nondisclosure of the vaccine’s restrictions, particularly the increased risk for severe dengue in seronegative patients or those with no prior dengue infections.

Sanofi Pasteur refused to refund the DOH’s used Dengvaxia doses worth P 1.6 billion and also refused to set up an indemnification fund for the vaccine’s 830,000 child recipients.

Duque expressed confidence that the DOH has a strong case against Sanofi.