Novartis reports positive data from meningococcal vaccine trial

Novartis has reported positive data from a new clinical trial of Bexsero, a vaccine therapy for meningococcal disease group B, a leading cause of meningitis.

Results from the pivotal phase III trial have been published in The Lancet, showing that Bexsero was able to deliver a protective immune response with an acceptable safety profile among infants from two months of age when administered as a three-dose primary series alongside routine vaccines.

It was also observed that the therapy provided a robust booster response in toddlers to a fourth dose administered at 12 months, meaning it could contribute to an extended duration of protection.

Andrin Oswald, division head at Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, said: "Upon the licensure of Bexsero, Novartis will be able to offer vaccines to help prevent all five of the most common and most virulent meningococcal serogroups."

This comes after the company announced data from a phase III trial of Afinitor earlier this month, demonstrating the drug's efficacy as a therapy for tuberous sclerosis complex.