Glaxo Bexsero Meningitis B Immunization Shows Positive Data

GlaxoSmithKline plc GSK announced positive preliminary data from the world's first meningitis B immunization program on its Bexsero vaccine.

Data demonstrated 83% effectiveness of Bexsero, against any meningitis B strain and 94% effectiveness against vaccine preventable strains in children receiving the first two of three recommended doses of the vaccine.

In addition, cases of meningitis B dropped by 50% in the vaccine-eligible population within 10 months of the program compared with the average number of cases over the last four years. Results were presented at the International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference (IPNC).

Note that Bexsero is approved in the U.S. for use in individuals aged 10 to 25 years. In the EU, the drug is indicated for patients aged two months and older.

Also, Glaxo and partner Innoviva, Inc. INVA announced that data from a phase IIIb study – Salford Lung Study – on Relvar Ellipta (100/25mcg; furoate/vilanterol) have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

The study evaluated the effectiveness and safety profile of Relvar Ellipta in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in comparison to existing COPD usual care.

Head-line data from the study were reported in May 2016, which revealed that patients, when treated with the drug, achieved a superior reduction in exacerbations compared to the usual care. Results were also presented at the International Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS).

Meanwhile, a second Salford Lung Study is ongoing in patients with asthma. Results from the study should be out in 2017.

We note that Relvar Ellipta is approved in Europe for the symptomatic treatment of COPD in adults with FEV1<70% predicted normal (post-bronchodilator) with an exacerbation history despite regular bronchodilator therapy.

The drug is marketed as Breo Ellipta in the U.S. for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, and to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations.

Relvar/Breo Ellipta registered sales of £257 million in the first six months of 2016.

Glaxo currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Innoviva is a better-ranked stock in the health care sector carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). A couple of other well-placed stocks in the same space are Anika Therapeutics Inc. ANIK and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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