GSK Unveils Update On H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

GSK has issued an update on its progress to develop a vaccine against the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus. The company has also commenced the clinical development program for its adjuvanted pandemic vaccine.

Reportedly, the first clinical trial being conducted in Germany, will assess the use of the vaccine in healthy adults. Initial data is expected to be available for sharing with regulatory authorities in September.

Further trials of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 adjuvanted vaccine covering infants, children, adults and the elderly will commence over the coming weeks across Europe, Canada and the US.

The company said that the clinical development program, which has been designed in close partnership with regulatory authorities, will evaluate the immune response as well as tolerability and other safety aspects of the vaccine.

Thomas Breuer, head of Global Clinical R&D and CMO of GSK Biologicals, said: “GSK is making good progress with the development of its pandemic vaccine. Enrolment into the first study has been completed and in total, GSK will conduct 16 clinical trials of its pandemic vaccine in over 9000 individuals across Europe, Canada and the US. We continue to work closely with regulators and governments to assess and develop this vaccine.”