GlaxoSmithKline has announced that its new generation H5N1 split antigen pre-pandemic influenza vaccine has been accepted for review by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in Europe.
This innovative vaccine utilizes GSK's novel proprietary adjuvant system technology which allows a very low amount of antigen (3.8µg) to be used to elicit a strong seroprotective response -- the so-called 'antigen-sparing' effect.
In a recent pivotal clinical trial carried out in Belgium involving the new generation H5N1 influenza vaccine, it was shown that two very low doses of antigen (3.8ug), given 21 days apart, combined with the novel adjuvant system enabled over 80% of individuals to produce a high seroprotective response, a level which exceeds target criteria set by regulatory authorities for registration of influenza vaccines. This 'antigen-sparing' phenomenon permits a large number of vaccine doses to be produced for mass vaccination ensuring protection for more people. Furthermore, the magnitude of the immune response to the antigen, in the presence of the novel adjuvant system, is also expected to give protection against 'drifted' variants of the H5N1 virus. The vaccine also had an acceptable safety and reactogenicity profile.
Jean Stephenne, President of GSK Biologicals, the vaccine division of GSK, commented: "Today's filing of our new generation pre-pandemic influenza vaccine marks another important milestone in our pandemic preparedness vaccine development program. I believe the rapidity with which immunogenicity and safety data has been generated resulting in this filing, pays tribute to our ongoing commitment to provide, in as short a timeframe as possible, credible options against the threat of an influenza pandemic."