GSK PLC (LSE:GSK, NYSE:GSK) has received approval from the European Commission for a new, fully liquid version of its Menveo vaccine, which protects against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by bacterial serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
This updated formulation eliminates the need for reconstitution before use, simplifying the vaccination process for healthcare providers.
The vaccine is now licensed for use in children from age two, as well as adolescents and adults. GSK highlighted the importance of this development in improving vaccine accessibility and uptake, especially among at-risk groups like young children and teenagers.
IMD is a serious, unpredictable illness that can lead to life-threatening complications. Even with treatment, up to one in six patients may die, and survivors may face long-term effects such as hearing loss, neurological damage, or amputations.
The approval follows positive results from two Phase IIb trials, which showed the new liquid formulation offers similar effectiveness, safety, and tolerability as the earlier version.
GSK’s head of vaccines research, Philip Dormitzer, emphasised the company’s commitment to preventing bacterial meningitis and supporting public health efforts across the EU.