GlaxoSmithKline says new flu vaccine works well in older people

A “new generation” influenza vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has demonstrated an improved immune response in patients aged over 65 in comparison to a traditional seasonal flu vaccine.

The UK’s largest pharmaceutical company presented new data at the Influenza Vaccines for the World 2006 Congress, showing that its vaccine, employing new adjuvant technology, has a seroprotection rate of 90.5 per cent – 25 per cent higher than in the comparison group of the same age using a traditional vaccine.

GSK claims this is important since it is in the elderly population that the death toll is highest during each flu season.

Dr Philippe Monteyne, head of global vaccine development at GSK Biologicals, remarked: “Our new vaccine increased the immune response in the elderly to levels comparable to that observed for traditional seasonal flu vaccine in younger adults.”

“This promising new vaccine will build on our strong existing flu franchise,” he added.

GSK is currently researching vaccines for a range of indications, including influenza and HIV. The company recently announced a 500 million euro (335 million pounds) investment into its St-Amand-Les-Eaux vaccine facility in France, a product of the “explosive growth” of GSK’s vaccines arm.