Pharmaceutical Business review

GSK’s new flu vaccine approved in US

The approval of FluLaval is an attempt to increase the influenza vaccine supply in the US. The approval of FluLaval follows the introduction of GSK's Fluarix prior to last year's flu season.

GSK added FluLaval to its portfolio of flu products when it acquired the Canadian vaccine manufacturer ID Biomedical Corporation in December 2005.

FluLaval, which will be available in 10 dose multi-dose vials, was granted fast track review status by the FDA in July 2005. It is marketed in Canada under the name Fluviral.

“Prevention of diseases like influenza not only helps people avoid getting sick, but is also one of the most effective ways to control healthcare costs,” said Chris Viehbacher, president of US Pharmaceuticals at GlaxoSmithKline.

GlaxoSmithKline has an active research and development program targeted at both seasonal and pandemic flu and has recently invested more than $2 billion to expand capacity for manufacturing its flu vaccines Fluarix and FluLaval and its antiviral flu medication Relenza.