Novartis Meningitis Vax Approved in Canada

Health Canada has approved Novartis‘ Bexsero (Multicomponent Meningococcal B Vaccine [recombinant, adsorbed]) for use in individuals from two months through 17 years of age. Bexsero is the first broad coverage vaccine to help protect against meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) disease, including infants, toddlers and adolescents who are at the greatest risk of infection.

 

Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Five main groups of meningococcal bacteria (A, B, C, W and Y) cause virtually all cases around the world. Prior to Bexsero, vaccines were available to help protect only against A, C, W and Y strains.

 

Bexsero is the first broad coverage meningococcal MenB vaccine to demonstrate an immune response in infants, the population at greatest risk for developing this disease. Bexsero will be available in early 2014.