The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for the 27 countries of the EU, as well as Norway and Iceland. Ixiaro vaccine also has received marketing authorization in Australia and received the FDA approval in the US. Further pediatric studies with the vaccine are planned.
Ixiaro was developed to provide a well-tolerated, effective and convenient vaccine against Japanese encephalitis (JE), suitable for administration to travelers who wish to reduce their risk of acquiring the disease.
Ixiaro was developed by Intercell. Novartis and Intercell have a strategic alliance that provides Novartis with the commercialization rights to Ixiaro.
Andrin Oswald, CEO of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, said: “Asia is a very popular travel destination for Europeans. Since JE is spread by mosquitoes, the threat to travelers is unpredictable. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against the disease and Ixiaro will address an unmet medical need for travelers from Europe to Asia.”