The fallout from the Dengvaxia scandal reached new heights on Friday as the Philippine Department of Justice found “probable cause” to indict Sanofi (SNY), a half-dozen of its employees, and several current and former Philippines health officials over a series of deaths related to the dengue virus vaccine.
The authorities alleged that charges should be brought for “reckless imprudence resulting (in) homicide” in connection with “irregularities” and lapses in purchasing and approving the use of the Sanofi vaccine, as well as rolling out an immunization program. The company was cited for failing to actively monitor patients and failing to provide assistance after serious adverse events were reported.
In its statement, the Justice Department did not explicitly say Dengvaxia had caused the deaths of 10 children cited in the report, but it did quote excerpts from a resolution by prosecutors that said the individuals involved had exhibited an “inexcusable lack of precaution and foresight” and proceeding with “undue haste.”
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It seems each of the 20 faces up to 60 years (6 x 10 counts), but given Mr Duarte’s alleged propensity for extra-legal executions, perhaps this counts as a measured legal response? Just a thought ….