China-based Sinovac Biotech Ltd (NASDAQ: SVA) has announced obtaining market approval from the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) for its Healive, an inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine designed to prevent Hepatitis A virus (HAV). This approval marks a significant expansion of Sinovac’s presence in the Egyptian market.
Healive: Vaccine Profile and Milestones
Healive was first approved in China in 2002 and was awarded the World Health Organization’s pre-qualification (PQ) status in 2017, making it China’s only HAV vaccine to achieve this recognition. The vaccine is known for its safety and very low incidence of adverse reactions. It can produce an immune response within one week of immunization and provides rapid protection. After 11 years of vaccination with two doses of Healive, the serum protection rate remains at 100%, and model estimates suggest that Healive can provide protection for up to 30 years. The vaccine has been approved in 24 countries worldwide and has been administered over 100 million times.
Previous COVID-19 Vaccine Collaboration
Previously, Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac earned emergency use authorization (EUA) in Egypt in April 2021. At that time, the company agreed with a local firm, VACSERA, to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines in Egypt. In January of this year, the two parties were in talks about establishing a vaccine manufacturing plant in the country, further solidifying Sinovac’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s healthcare infrastructure.
Strategic Implications
The market approval of Healive by the Egyptian Drug Authority is a strategic milestone for Sinovac Biotech. It underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its vaccine portfolio globally and enhancing public health through the prevention of Hepatitis A. By securing approval in Egypt, Sinovac aims to contribute to the broader goal of improving healthcare outcomes and reducing the burden of infectious diseases in the region.-Fineline Info & Tech
