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February 15, 2025
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) combination vaccine, Penmenvy, for individuals aged 10 through 25. This vaccine merges components from GSK’s existing vaccines, Bexsero and Menveo, to protect against the five most prevalent strains of meningococcal bacteria.
Meningococcal infections, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, bloodstream infections and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 438 confirmed and probable cases of meningococcal disease, with cases increasing sharply since 2021 and now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Penmenvy’s approval is based on a late-stage study involving approximately 3,650 participants aged 10 to 25. The study demonstrated that the combination vaccine was as effective as Bexsero and Menveo .The vaccine was well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent the individual vaccines.
Pediatrician Patty Sabey from Stanford Medicine Children’s Health noted that a combined vaccine simplifies the vaccination process, potentially improving vaccination rates and reducing the risk of long-term complications such as brain damage and hearing loss associated with meningococcal infections.
Penmenvy targets the five most common bacterial … meningococcal infections: Men A, B, C … , and Y. Bexsero is approved for … Neisseria meningitides serogroup B, while Menveo protects against meningococcal … .
This approval marks a significant advancement in meningococcal disease prevention, offering a single vaccine option to protect against multiple strains of the bacteria.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from Reuters and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. For personalized health recommendations, consult a healthcare professional.
