Fluarix Approved in Time for Flu Season

The FDA approved GlaxoSmithKline's influenza vaccine,Fluarix, indicated for adults 18 years and older, following aphase 3 clinical trial. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of approximately 1000 US adultsshowed Fluarix to be safe and immunogenic. Fluarix will beavailable to health care practitioners in prefilled Tip-Loksyringes in time for this year's flu season. John Treanor, MD,of the University of Rochester Medical Center, commented,"The introduction of Fluarix is a vital step in the effort toimprove vaccination rates in the United States and protectagainst this highly communicable infection that threatensyoung and old alike." GlaxoSmithKline's Chief ExecutiveOfficer Jean-Pierre Garnier remarked, "The shortage of theflu vaccine last year was a reminder of the importance ofvaccines in health care."

Ms. Farley is a freelance medical writer based in Wakefield, RI.