GSK PLC has bagged approval for its five-in-one meningitis vaccine from the US Food and Drug Administration, meaning it will be the first rival to Pfizer for such a jab in the country.
Designed to target five major serogroups of meningitis-causing Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, GSK on Monday said the Penmenvy jab had been green-lit for 10 to 25 year olds.
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), which is often linked to Neisseria meningitidis, can cause death in up to one in six who contract it in as little as 24 hours, GSK noted.
Those aged between 16 and 23 years old were said to be at heightened risk, with GSK’s drug combining components of two meningococcal vaccines, Bexsero and Menveo.
“Integrating GSK's MenABCWY vaccine into healthcare provider practices could simplify meningococcal vaccination delivery and help protect more US adolescents,” chief scientific officer Tony Wood said.
“Although MenB is the leading cause of IMD among this population, less than 13% receive the recommended two-dose vaccination series; around 32% receive at least one dose.
“Three of every four MenB doses currently administered in the US are manufactured by GSK, positioning the company well to lead in the US market.”
Specialist publications noted that Pfizer had been the only company to offer a 5-in-1 meningococcal vaccine in the US since its jab started to be marketed two years ago.