New Influenza Vaccine

A new vaccine for influenza has been developed, in time for the 2005-2006 influenza season. Called Fluarix, the vaccine has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a phase III clinical trial involving 1,000 adults aged 18-64, Fluarix was found to be safe and immunogenic. The vaccine is indicated for adults who are 18 or older and comes in prefilled syringes. The vaccine was developed by GlaxoSmithKline (London, UK; www.gsk.com) and is currently distributed in 79 countries, the company notes.

Influenza is highly contagious and potentially fatal. From 1990-1999, about 36,000 people died in the United States alone each year from complications of influenza. More than 90% of these deaths occurred in people 65 or older. Because the prevalent strains of influenza can change from season to season, the composition of the vaccine is adjusted yearly to match the recommendations of the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). Because of these changes in strains from year to year, the CDC recommends an annual vaccination, especially for groups at high risk of complications.

"The shortage of flu vaccine last year was a reminder of the importance of vaccines in health care,” observed Jean-Pierre Garnier, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline. "GSK worked quickly with government officials to make Fluarix available and increase the supply at a critical time.”






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