GlaxoSmithKline’s improved vaccine targets the over-65

A new generation seasonal flu vaccine promises to offer better immune protection for the over 65 population, compared to the traditional vaccine.

This comes as good news, since the elderly has often suffered the highest disease burden and death toll in each flu season.

Lead investigator Dr Isabel Leroux-Roels from the Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Hospital said: “The immune response of the elderly can be significantly lower than in younger adults leaving them particularly vulnerable to the more serious complications of flu. There is a real need to strengthen the immune response of the population of 65 years and above. This can be achieved by combining antigen components of annual flu vaccine with GSK’s novel adjuvant system.”

Following a successful Phase II trial, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) released a report demonstrating that an adjuvanted flu vaccine increased the immune response in the elderly to levels compared to to that observed for traditional seasonal flu vaccine in younger adults. Higher levels of antibodies were released and a higher cellular immune response to influenza was observed in the 65+age range. The vaccine also showed a 90.5% seroprotection rate (90.5%), well over the 20% seroconversion required for European licensing, and 25% higher than traditional vaccines. It was also well tolerated throughout the study period and showed a safety profile which is comparable to the standard

GSK has registered for a Phase III trial involving 3500 participants in three countries in Europe and the US to confirm the findings from Phase II.

[source: MedicalNewsToday]

Tags: flu vaccine, seasonal flu, vaccine research, GlaxoSmithKline, adjuvant, new generation vaccine