GSK and Biological E join forces to develop combination vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has partnered with Biological E Limited (Biological E) to work on the research and development of a six-in-one combination paediatric vaccine.

The solution hopes to protect children in India and other developing countries from polio and infectious diseases, with the project re-affirming both companies' commitment to back the World Health Organsation's global polio eradication scheme.

If the vaccine is approved, it will combine GSK's injectable polio vaccine with Biological E's pentavalent vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilius influenzae type b.

Thanks to the vaccine, it would be possible for children to have fewer injections, which would help to boost compliance in immunisation schedules.

Furthermore, the drug's fully liquid formulation means it would be possible to use it with no extra ingredients or materials, meaning more space will be available at local storage facilities.

Christophe Weber, president of GSK Vaccines, said: " This agreement is fully aligned to GSK’s vision of providing high quality vaccines to those in need and by leveraging Biological E’s strengths, this particular vaccine has the potential to be play a significant role in the fight against polio.

"We are delighted to be working with Biological E, an established company in the global vaccine market."

Vijay Kumar Datla, chairman of Biological E. also commented on the partnership, noting: "We are excited to be working with GSK, and this relationship is a validation of the investments we have made in vaccine technology and quality."

Mr Datla explained that the partnership will be leveraged in order to accelerate the development of the hexavalent vaccine, making IPV accessible for developing countries in the post-eradication phase for Polio.

News of this partnership comes after GSK announced a regulatory submission to the US Food and Drug Administration for albiglutide.

It is used as a once-weekly treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Posted by Ben Evans