Novartis receives CHMP backing for MenB vaccine

Novartis has received a recommendation from Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for approval of its novel meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine Bexsero.

The European Medicines Agency committee has adopted a positive opinion on the use of the therapy among individuals from two months of age and older after clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy and tolerability.

Currently available vaccines do not offer broad protection against MenB, which accounts for up to 90 percent of all meningococcal disease cases in many European nations.

It can cause illnesses such as meningitis and septicaemia, meaning the expected approval of Bexsero could represent an important development in the prevention of childhood meningitis.

Andrin Oswald, division head for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, said: "We are proud of the major advance that Bexsero represents within the field of vaccine development against what up until now has been a very challenging disease target."

Last week, the company reported positive data from a phase III trial of its immunosuppressant Certican, showing the benefits it can provide for liver transplant patients.