Sanofi discontinues Zika program after BARDA pulls funding

Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY) said it will discontinue development of its inactivated Zika vaccine after HHS's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority pulled its funding from the program under a contract with the pharma following a review of all Zika-related activities.

Sanofi said BARDA decided to "de-scope" its contract to limit funding to an ongoing case definition and surveillance study, which will provide guidance on Zika epidemiology and diagnosis that can be applicable to development of any future Zika vaccine. Sanofi said BARDA will also fund any activities necessary to bring the program to a point where development could be re-started if the epidemic re-emerges. ...