GSK announces new data from H5N1 vaccine study

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the release of data from two clinical studies investigating its pre-pandemic split antigen H5N1 vaccine. The studies showed that the vaccine provides patients with a significant level of cross-immunity against a diverse strain of H5N1.

The vaccine has been developed using the firm’s own adjuvant system, with GSK expressing hopes that the vaccine could be used to prepare the human immune system to respond speedily to different forms of H5N1 and protect the mass population in the event of a pandemic.

H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that is often referred to as avian or bird flu.

Jean Stephenne, president of GSK Biologicals, said: “I am extremely encouraged by the new trial data that has been reported today on GSK’s candidate pre-pandemic influenza vaccine.”

He added that the results confirmed the ability of the vaccine to kill different forms of the H5N1 virus, suggesting it may have utility if administered proactively before or during the start of a human pandemic to slow the spread of the virus through the population.

In July 2006, GSK announced the results of clinical trials showing that its H5N1 vaccine elicited a high immune response in patients at a low antigen dose.