GlaxoSmithKline has received the European Commission authorization for Synflorix, a pediatric pneumococcal vaccine to protect against life-threatening diseases such as meningitis and bacteraemic pneumonia, as well as middle ear infections.
This decision opens access to a new vaccine that could potentially prevent childhood deaths and suffering, as well as deliver considerable public health benefits across Europe, the company said.
GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) new vaccine is indicated for active immunization against invasive disease and acute otitis media (AOM) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants and children from six weeks up to two years of age.
According to the company, the vaccine has the potential to prevent more invasive pneumococcal diseases than the currently available seven-valent vaccine, by offering coverage against three additional pneumococcal strains (serotypes 1, 5 and 7F). The new vaccine also provides protection against pneumococcal AOM.
Jean Stephenne, president and general manager of biologicals at GSK, said: By providing increased protection against three additional strains of bacteria associated with severe disease, Synflorix may help prevent more of these life-threatening infections than the currently licensed pneumococcal vaccine. It also offers protection against middle ear infection caused by S pneumoniae, a condition that affects many children and their families in Europe.