GlaxoSmithKline parasite vaccination defective

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that vials of the injection Pentostam, the product licensed for the treatment of Leishmaniasis, could contain particulates that should not be present.

The company has said that the problem was due to a manufacturing issue, but also warned that replacements may not be available for many months.

Death rates due to Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies, could reach 100 per cent in developing countries within two years if left untreated, the World Health Organisation has said.

GSK, along with the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, has said that the vials of Pentostam can still be used providing they are passed through a sterile filter with a pore size of five micron or less prior to use.

The company has warned against bulk filtration and has said that a number of filters will be made available for use in the UK “in case of local supply problems”.

© Adfero Ltd