GlaxoSmithKline reveals WHO prequalification of H1N1 vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline has revealed that the World Health Organization (WHO) has awarded prequalification of global use to its H1N1 vaccine Arepanrix.

This marks the first prequalification for an H1N1 pandemic vaccine and is an integral development that ensures its distribution in developing nations.

The WHO’s prequalification initiative is a service provided by the body to facilitate access to medicines that meet unified standards of safety and quality.

Jean Stephenne, president of GSK biologicals, commented: “Since the start of the H1N1 pandemic GSK has been diligently working to achieve this and the WHO prequalification is a key step in ensuring that developing countries can be supplied with Arepanrix.”

In other GlaxoSmithKline news, the firm revealed this week that it has become the 25th sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

It will also provide facilities and equipment to enable King’s College London to operate a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited satellite laboratory during the event.