GlaxoSmithKline receives EU Relenza approval

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has received European approval for its antiviral influenza treatment, Relenza.

With antivirals like Relenza and Roche’s Tamiflu dominating the headlines over the year because of the perceived threat of avian flu, GSK said the approval, which will see the drug made available in the UK, was a “significant step”.

Regulators have approved Relenza for the prevention of influenza A and B in adults and children aged over five. Additionally, the drug can now be approved for the treatment of influenza in children aged five and above.

Previously, Relenza was available for adults and children in the EU aged over 12 years for the treatment of the virus.

David Stout, president of pharmaceutical operations at GSK, stated: “This approval is a significant step forward as it provides the medical community in Europe with another option to prevent and treat seasonal influenza enabling governments to prepare for a potential flu pandemic.”

“As a leading provider of vaccines and anti-viral medications, GSK is committed to support governments and health authorities around the world in planning to respond to a global crisis should an influenza pandemic occur,” he concluded.

Last month, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced it had purchased up to 15.5 million doses of Relenza, having already bought four million treatment courses.

As well as preventing avian flu, the drug is also effective against seasonal influenza, which GSK says killed nearly 20,000 people in the UK during the 1999-2000 outbreak.

© Adfero Ltd