GSK Initiates Development Of New Candidate Vaccine For H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

With WHO raising the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6, GSK has initiated development of a new candidate vaccine for A (H1N1) influenza virus. WHO has stated in their current assessment of the situation that this pandemic is currently of a moderate severity.

In addition to increasing production and supply of the anti-viral medication, Relenza (zanamivir), the company continues to focus efforts on the development of a candidate A(H1N1) adjuvanted influenza vaccine.

After the first step for manufacturing an influenza vaccine to prepare the seed strain for production, the company will start production of the new candidate A (H1N1) influenza vaccine. The first doses of the A (H1N1) vaccine antigen are expected to be available in four to six months time, subject to regulatory approval.