MedImmune sees FluMist given expanded label

MedImmune, the pharmaceutical company recently acquired by AstraZenica, has seen its FluMist product given approval for expanded use in children aged two to five years old.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved FluMist for active immunisation for the prevention of disease by influenza A and B viruses in individuals two to 49 years of age.

FluMist now becomes only the second manufacturer to have a license in the US to produce an influenza vaccine for children under the age of four years.

James Young, president of research and development, expressed his delight over the approval.

“As a company dedicated to innovative advancements in paediatric medicine, MedImmune is delighted to be able to offer FluMist as an option for children as young as two years old to help protect them from influenza,” he said.

Following the decision, MedImmune stated that it was anticipating shipping FluMist with the expanded label in the coming days in order to allow vaccinations to individuals ahead of the winter when influenza is most rife.

In June, Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca announced the successful $15.6 billion (7.8 billion pounds) acquisition of the Maryland-based biotechnology firm MedImmune.