GSK's Meningococcal Group B Vaccine Approved in the Philippines

Key Insights

• GSK's Meningococcal Group B Vaccine receives FDA approval in the Philippines, marking the first vaccine available in the country for this serogroup.
• The vaccine is approved for individuals aged two months and older to prevent invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by _Neisseria meningitidis_ serogroup B.
• Serogroup B is a leading cause of IMD in the Philippines, accounting for 68% of cases between 2017 and 2018, according to a study.

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Meningococcal Group B Vaccine, making it the first vaccine available in the country to prevent invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. This approval marks a significant advancement in public health, offering protection to individuals aged two months and older. Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection, and until now, no vaccine was available in the Philippines for serogroup B.

Serogroup B Prevalence and Impact

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), meningococcal disease is endemic in the Philippines, with approximately 100 cases reported annually. Serogroup B is a leading cause of IMD both globally and locally. A paper published in Microbiology Australia indicated that serogroup B accounted for 68% of invasive meningococcal disease cases in the Philippines between 2017 and 2018.

IMD can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and meningococcal sepsis, where bacteria enter the bloodstream. These conditions require immediate medical intervention to avert irreversible consequences such as permanent hearing loss, vision impairment, and cognitive difficulties. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Giovell P. Barangan, country medical director of GSK Philippines, emphasized the severity of IMD, stating, "IMD can lead to severe illness, long-term complications, or even death, often affecting patients in ways that can alter their lives forever." He further added, "The availability of this vaccine in the Philippines represents a significant step in protecting families and their loved ones from the life-threatening outcomes of IMD."

Global Availability

GSK's Meningococcal Group B Vaccine has already been licensed in over 40 countries, including member states of the European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. This widespread availability underscores the vaccine's established safety and efficacy profile.