GlaxoSmithKline gets a positive vaccine opinion

European authorities have given GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) a positive opinion for is rotavirus infection vaccine, Rotarix.

GSK now expects a European Marketing Authorisation from the European Commission in late 2006 and the vaccine will be introduced immediately after it has been given.

The approval would make Rotarix the first rotavirus vaccine available to children in Europe.

A GSK spokesman said: “Virtually every child worldwide will experience an episode of rotavirus disease by the time they reach five years of age, irrespective of where they live or how rich or poor they are.

“Globally, rotavirus infections are responsible for over 600,000 deaths per year globally – one child every minute.”

The firm estimates the rotavirus market has the potential to be worth as much as ?1.3 billion by 2010 with Europe accounting for 20 per cent of the total market.

In Europe, approximately 4.5 million cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis occur yearly among children under five years, which makes rotavirus the most frequent vaccine preventable illness among young children.

© Adfero Ltd