Study Shows GSK’s Bexsero Halved UK Meningitis B Cases in First Year
GlaxoSmithKline’s meningitis B vaccine, Bexsero, has shown to have a dramatic impact on meningitis B cases within the UK, according to a real-world evidence study.
Approximately a year ago the world’s first national meningitis B vaccination campaign was launched, after 10 months there have been reported cases of meningitis B drop 50% compared to the average number over the last four years, according to GSK.
Real-world assessment suggests effectiveness of the vaccine is 83% against any meningitis B strain, and 94% against vaccine preventable strains, for all children receiving the first two of three recommended doses. Uptake also appears on track, with 90% of eligible infants having received the first two doses.
GSK Vaccines chief medical officer Dr Thomas Breuer states that the data “demonstrate that Bexsero helps to protect babies in the UK from this often life-threatening disease,”. Dr Breuer also added that it “provides reassurance to parents who have already vaccinated their children or wish to help protect their children from meningitis B in the future”.
GSK are hoping the success of the UK programme will help encourage other public health authorities around the world to start their own vaccination programmes against meningitis B.
GlaxoSmithKline acquired Bexsero from Novartis last year as part of a deal swapping assets between the two companies. Currently the vaccine has been approved in Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and several South American countries, including Argentina and Brazil.
The UK programme helped boost sales of the vaccine, which more than doubled to £97m in the second quarter of this year after a period in which the roll-out was held back by supply issues.