GSK reveals positive opinion for Altargo

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that Altargo, the firm’s new antibiotic, has received a positive opinion from the European Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP).

The opinion was cast in relation to the drug’s use for the treatment of impetigo, the contagious bacterial skin infection, as well as “infected small lacerations, abrasions or sutured wounds”, according to GSK.

“Altargo is predicted to have a valuable clinical role in treating uncomplicated skin infections,” said Dr Lynn Marks, senior vice-president, Infectious Diseases Medicines Development Centre at GSK.

“By providing both efficacy and tolerability in a simple and short treatment regimen, Altargo is a favourable treatment option for patients and is an example of GSK’s ongoing commitment to the management and treatment of infectious diseases.”

Altargo was found to be superior to placebo in clinical tests on treating impetigo, which is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or group A Streptococcus.

An infection most commonly seen in children aged between two and six years, impetigo can be spread by contact with sores or wounds, as well as direct contact with nasal discharge that has come from an infected party.

GSK announced last week that its donations to charity topped 300 million pounds for the fourth year running last term, with 238 million pounds of this in donated medicines.