Published on July 30, 2010 at 9:26 AM
GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) has released the first lots of FluLaval® [Influenza Virus Vaccine] allowing distribution in the U.S. to begin for the 2010-2011 flu season. GSK anticipates distribution of Fluarix® [Influenza Virus Vaccine] to follow in the next several weeks.
GSK expects to supply more than 30 million doses combined of FLULAVAL and FLUARIX this flu season. FLULAVAL is approved for use in adults (18 years of age and older) to help protect against influenza disease. FLUARIX is approved for use in adults and children (3 years of age and older).
Earlier this year, vaccine experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that individuals six months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will offer protection against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus and two other flu viruses.
"The spread of seasonal flu remains an important public health issue and takes the lives of approximately 36,000 people each year," said Peter Lammers, Vice President, U.S. Vaccines, GlaxoSmithKline. "GSK is proud to provide millions of doses of flu vaccine in preparation for this year's flu season and in support of the government's goal to expand flu vaccination."
SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline