6 May 2019

US territories to get controversial dengue drug

4:53 pm on 6 May 2019

US authorities have given the green light for a controversial dengue fever vaccine to be used in American territories.

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Photo: 123RF

The US Food and Drug Administration approval means Dengvaxia can now be used in American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.

However, the body has imposed significant restrictions on the drug over concerns it can increase the risk of severe infection.

Dengvaxia can only be given to children and teenagers between the ages of nine and 16 who have been confirmed to have dengue.

The vaccine has been distributed overseas since 2015 but had its license in the Philippines revoked in 2017 over safety concerns.

On Friday, the Philippine Department of Justice said it would lay criminal charges against Dengvaxia's maker, the France-based Sanofi.

It recommended charges for multiple counts of "reckless imprudence resulting in homicide" in connection with the deaths of 10 people who had been administered Dengvaxia.