GSK revealed this week that its 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine — MenABCWY— shined in phase 3 trials. If approved, the vaccine would provide the most coverage against the infectious disease yet.
The vaccine was found to be as effective and have a similar safety profile as two doses of Bexsero and one dose of Menveo for five different Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) in individuals aged 10-25 years.
In a separate phase 3 trial, GSK’s MenABCWY also demonstrated its ability to provide immunological protection against a panel of 110 different meningococcal serogroup B invasive strains, which make up 95% of strains found in the US.
Bexsero and Menveo — both made by GSK — are immunizations administered to protect against specific types of meningococcal ailments. Bexsero vaccine is intended to work against meningococcal group B bacteria, whereas Menveo vaccine targets meningococcal groups A, C, W-135, and Y bacteria. These two vaccines are recommended for specific age groups, particularly adolescents and young adults, who might be at greater risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
In January 2013, Bexsero was approved by the European Commission for use in individuals from 2 months of age and older, making it the first broad coverage vaccine to receive a regulatory approval to help protect against meningitis B.
