GlaxoSmithKline gets US FDA approval for Boostrix to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis in older people

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the use of UK pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline’s (LSE: GSK) Boostrix vaccine to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in people aged 65 and older.

Currently, there are vaccines approved for the prevention of tetanus and diphtheria that can be used in adults 65 and older. However, Boostrix, which is given as a single-dose booster shot, is the first vaccine approved to prevent all three diseases in older people, the FDA noted.

Boostrix, which generated revenues of £181 million ($290 million) last year, was originally approved in the USA in May 2005, for use in adolescents aged 10 years through 18 years. It subsequently gained clearance in December 2008, to include adults 19 years through 64 years. Boostrix is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, based in Rixensart, Belgium.