GlaxoSmithKline submits flu vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has submitted a vaccine with European regulators for the potential pandemic flu virus.

Reuters reports that the company is the first firm to submit a vaccine under new rules from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) that allow drugs that could help in the fight against a flu pandemic to get fast-track treatment.

GSK spokesman David Mawdsley told the news agency: “I can confirm that a mock-up file of a pandemic influenza vaccine was submitted in December to the European authorities.”

EMEA has confirmed this and said that it expects other pharmaceutical companies to file their vaccines for fast approval in the coming year.

The fast-track system allows a drug to enter the stages of gaining approval from the regulator while still being in development.

GSK announced last year that it intends to start trials of a H5N1 vaccine this year.

© Adfero Ltd