GlaxoSmithKline H1N1 vaccine authorised by EC

GlaxoSmithKline announced this week that its H1N1 vaccine Pandemrix has been approved by the European commission.

Authorisation was granted for the marketing of the product in European countries for the vaccine ahead of the oncoming flu season and further anticipated outbreaks of H1N1.

Jean Stephenne, president of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, explained: “Following the commission’s approval, we expect to commence shipments of Pandemrix to European governments from next week.”

According to figures from the Health Protection Agency, there were an estimated 5,000 new cases of swine flu in the UK following the beginning of the new school season.

Last month, GlaxoSmithKline released the first set of results of trials into the vaccine, which showed that after one dose, candidates demonstrated significant immunity to the H1N1 influenza virus.

This exceeded the immunogenicity regulations defined by international licensing authorities for a pandemic influenza vaccine.