WHO grants prequalification for GlaxoSmithKline's 10-Valent Synflorix vaccine

The World Health Organization has awarded prequalification for global use to GlaxoSmithKline's Synflorix pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The prequalification is the first for a vaccine against pneumococcal disease, which is a life-threatening condition affecting many children under five in developing countries.

This move allows United Nations agencies to purchase vaccines on behalf of developing countries and will accelerate global access to Synflorix, says GSK, noting that the endorsement comes less than a year after the vaccine's first licensure in an industrialized country and just a few days after the First World Pneumonia Day, marked on November 2.

'GSK designed Synflorix to offer the right protection to children all over the world," said Jean Stephenne, chief executive of GSK Biologicals. 'The vaccine helps protect against 10 strains of pneumococcal disease and can make a lasting public health impact in developing countries, where the disease burden is greatest. GSK is especially proud to be the first company to receive prequalification for a pneumococcal vaccine that can save so many lives and dramatically alter the world's fight against pneumonia,' he added.