Bexsero, first Meningitis B vaccine, receives European Commission approval
Photo/CDC/ Debora Cartagena
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical and health care company, Novartis announced this week that it’s Meningitis B vaccine, Bexsero, has received approval from the European Commission for use in individuals from 2 months of age and older, according to a Novartis media release Jan. 22.
Up to now, there has been no authorized vaccine available in the European Union (EU) or North America for bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B.
There are only vaccines available to protect against meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, W135 and Y.
“This meningitis B vaccine is the most important medical breakthrough in the 30 years since I lost my son to the disease,” said Meningitis UK Founder Steve Dayman MBE. “It could save thousands of lives and prevent other parents suffering the same tragedy. The vaccine must be made widely available through the immunisation schedule as soon as possible – any delay could mean lives lost.”
Each year, approximately 1.2 million cases of invasive meningococcal disease are recorded worldwide, of which 7,000 occur in Europe. Over 90% of cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia are caused by five of the 13 meningococcal serogroups, specifically groups A, B, C, W135 and Y. In Europe, group B is the most prevalent meningococcal serogroup, with 3,406-4,819 cases reported annually between 2003 and 2007, according to a surveillance report published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The disease mainly affects infants and young children, but could occur also in older children and young adults. Despite the availability of medical treatment and effective antibiotics, 8% of European patients die and some 11-19% of survivors suffer life-long consequences, including permanent brain damage, learning disabilities and hearing loss, according to the European Medicines Agency.
“Each year, thousands of parents see their children die or left with severe disabilities as a result of this devastating disease. Through the combined efforts of many people over two decades, we are closer than ever to seeing an end to this suffering,” said Andrin Oswald, Division Head, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. “Our vision is a world without meningitis, and our priority is to work with decision makers across Europe to ensure there is broad and timely access to vaccination.”
Novartis is working with health authorities to provide access to Bexsero as soon as possible.
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[…] CBS New York reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has offered the school to use the Novartis vaccine, Bexsero. […]