GlaxoSmithKline receives authorisation for Synflorix

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has received authorisation from the European Commission for a vaccination to protect children against life-threatening diseases.

As well as being permitted to be a preventative against illnesses such as meningitis and bacteraemic pneumonia in youngsters, Synflorix has also been passed to treat middle ear infections.

The decision should deliver significant health benefits across the continent and opens access to a new vaccine which could prevent childhood deaths and sufferings.

President and general manager of GSK biologicals Jean Stephenne explained the conditions can have a huge emotional impact on patients and loved ones, as well as cause a strain on public health costs.

“By providing increased protection against three additional strains of bacteria associated with severe disease, Synflorix may help prevent more of these life-threatening infections than the currently licensed pneumococcal vaccine,” he remarked.

Last month, the company asserted it would continue to work closely with the Food and Drug Administration in an attempt to receive approval for its vaccination to protect against cervical cancer.

GSK has submitted final data of its Cervarix phase III clinical trials to the body and a decision is expected to be announced within the next six months.