GSK files new influenza vaccine in Europe

<p>This vaccine utilizes GSK&#0039;s adjuvant system technology which allows a very low amount of antigen to be used to elicit a strong seroprotective response.<br /><br />In a recent trial involving the new vaccine, it was shown that two very low doses of antigen combined with the adjuvant system enabled over 80% of individuals to produce a high seroprotective response. This response was at a level which exceeds target criteria set by regulatory authorities for registration of influenza vaccines. <br /><br />The technology permits a large number of vaccine doses to be produced for mass vaccination, said GSK. <br /><br />Furthermore, the immune response to the antigen, in the presence of the adjuvant system, is also expected to give protection against &#0039;drifted&#0039; variants of the H5N1 virus. <br /><br />GSK said these advantages would allow governments and health authorities the option to initiate vaccination before or at the onset of a pandemic and potentially offering a degree of early protection against the pandemic influenza virus.<br /><br />The company is also planning to file the pre-pandemic vaccine in other countries around the world.<br /><br /></p>