Fendrix contains the GSK hepatitis B antigen and a novel proprietary GSK adjuvant system, AS04, which includes MPL from Corixa developed to have a higher potency than other available hepatitis vaccines, resulting in higher, more rapid and longer-lasting seroprotection.
Fendrix is designed to prevent hepatitis B in patients with renal insufficiency, including specific high-risk groups such as pre-haemodialysis and haemodialysis patients, and builds on the experience of hepatitis B vaccine predecessor Engerix B.
“Today’s product approval marks another significant commercialization milestone for our adjuvant business,” said Steven Gillis, chairman and CEO of Corixa. “Given that our MPL adjuvant is a component of several additional GSK vaccines now in late-stage clinical trials, we look forward to the growth of our adjuvant business and its potential contribution to Corixa’s future product sales and royalty income.”