GSK kickstarts global trial for seasonal flu vax

GlaxoSmithKline announced that it has started a worldwide clinical efficacy trial to evaluate a new seasonal flu vaccine. With over 43,000 volunteers, this Phase III clinical trial is one of the largest influenza efficacy trials ever undertaken for seasonal flu. The trial will be conducted over a two-year period and will involve adults aged 65 and older in 15 countries, including Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Mexico, United States, Taiwan and Canada.

"With this large clinical trial in seasonal influenza, we are building on the leading role GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals has already played in the development of pandemic protection. This new seasonal vaccine contains an adjuvant similar to the one pioneered for the only influenza pre-pandemic vaccine approved in Europe, Prepandrix, and the pandemic vaccine Pandemrix," said Jean Stéphenne, President and General Manager GSK Biologicals. "We are looking to develop a superior influenza vaccine that will provide those at risk of influenza with better protection."

- check out the GlaxoSmithKline release

ALSO: GSK has teamed up the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, an anti-malaria organization funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and clinics and research centers in Africa to develop the world's first malaria vaccine. The massive clinical trial will include 16,000 children and is expected to begin as early as next month. Article

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