GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the FDA approval of four-strain seasonal influenza (flu) virus vaccine, Fluarix Quadrivalent, to immunize adults and children of three years age and more, in the US.
The intramuscular vaccine is developed to prevent diseases caused by two strains each of seasonal flu virus subtypes A and type B.
GSK North America vaccines clinical development and medical affairs vice president and head Dr. Leonard Friedland said the predominant circulating influenza B strain was not the strain that public health authorities selected in six of the last 11 flu seasons.
"Fluarix Quadrivalent will help protect individuals against both B strains and from a public-health standpoint, can help decrease the burden of disease," Friedland added.
The company anticipates in time vaccine availability for the 2013-2014 flu season besides completion of orders for its trivalent vaccines.
At Present, Fluarix Quadrivalent is not approved or licensed in any region other than the US.
