BASEL (dpa-AFX) - Novartis (NVS) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval of Bexsero (Meningococcal Group B Vaccine [recombinant, adsorbed]) for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B (also known as meningitis B) in adolescents and young adults from 10 years through 25 years of age.
Bexsero is the only meningitis B vaccine approved in the US with a two-dose regimen and a flexible dosing schedule. As part of the accelerated approval process, Novartis will complete its ongoing studies to confirm the effectiveness of Bexsero against diverse serogroup B strains.
In Phase II and Phase III studies, Bexsero demonstrated a protective immune response in adolescents and young adults after two doses. Bexsero also offers a flexible dosing schedule, with the first and second doses administered at least one month apart.
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.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX