Dr. Reddy’s and Sanofi Expand Partnership to Launch Beyfortus® for RSV Prevention in India

Hyderabad, India :  On the occasion of World Immunization Week, global pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY), announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Sanofi Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. (SHIPL) to launch Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) in India.

Beyfortus®, containing the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, is the first approved drug designed to protect all infants entering or born during their first RSV season. It is a pre-filled injectable used to prevent Lower Respiratory Tract Disease (LRTD) caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The drug is also indicated for use in children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease during their second RSV season.

Under this arrangement, Dr. Reddy’s has been granted exclusive rights to promote and distribute Beyfortus® in India by SHIPL. This follows last year’s successful exclusive distribution partnership between the two companies for Sanofi’s vaccine portfolio in India. Dr. Reddy’s is expected to launch Beyfortus® in Q2 of FY 2025-26.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious respiratory illness in infants. It is estimated that 2 out of every 3 infants become infected with RSV in their first year, and almost all children encounter RSV by the age of two. It is the leading cause of LRTDs, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and a major cause of hospitalizations globally, especially among healthy, full-term infants. In 2019, RSV was responsible for an estimated 33 million cases of acute LRTI, over 3 million hospitalizations, and approximately 26,300 in-hospital deaths in children under 5 years.

Nitya Padmanabhan, Head of Sanofi Vaccines India, said:

“Bringing Beyfortus® to India marks a significant milestone in our mission to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases like RSV. Given the high disease burden and need for early protection in India, our partnership with Dr. Reddy’s enables us to deliver this innovative solution to parents and healthcare providers. Together, we aim to expand equitable access to immunization and strengthen preventive care for millions of children.”

M.V. Ramana, CEO – Branded Markets (India & Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, added:

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Sanofi to introduce a new drug to combat RSV among newborns and infants in India. This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to being a preferred partner in delivering innovative, trusted treatments. Beyfortus® offers healthcare professionals and parents a significant tool for RSV prevention, and further strengthens our immunization portfolio in India.”

Regulatory Approvals:
Beyfortus® has been approved for use in several countries, including the European Union, United States, China, and Japan. In India, CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) granted marketing authorization for Beyfortus® in June 2024.

Key Keywords:
Dr. Reddy’s, Sanofi, Beyfortus®, Nirsevimab, RSV Prevention, Monoclonal Antibody, India Launch, World Immunization Week, Infant Health, LRTD, CDSCO Approval, Pediatric Healthcare, Pharmaceutical Partnership, RSV Awareness, Hospitalization Prevention

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