Pfizer to acquire GSK meningitis vaccines

Pfizer has entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to acquire its quadrivalent meningitis ACWY vaccines, Nimenrix and Mencevax, for $130 million.

Nimenrix is a single dose meningococcal ACWY-TT (tetanus toxoid) conjugated vaccine designed to protect against Neisseria meningitidis, an uncommon but highly contagious disease that can lead to disability and death. Launched three years ago, it is indicated for all age groups above one year of age. Nimenrix is currently registered and approved for sale in 61 countries with registrations under review in another 18 countries.

Mencevax is a single-dose meningococcal ACWY unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine used to control outbreaks of meningococcal infection and for travellers to countries where the disease is endemic or highly epidemic. Mencevax is indicated for use across all age groups from two years of age, and is currently registered and approved in 79 countries.

Acquisition broadens Pfizer’s ability to address the burden of meningococcal meningitis

With the approval in 2014 of Trumenba in the US for protection against serogroup B meningococcal disease in individuals 10 through 25 years of age, the acquisition of NeisVac-C for protection against serogroup C meningococcal disease from Baxter last year, and the addition of these two quadrivalent meningitis vaccines, Pfizer is creating a broad portfolio that is focused on helping prevent meningococcal disease as well as used for outbreak control.

“The addition of Nimenrix and Mencevax is an important milestone for Pfizer Vaccines. Adding these two innovative and complementary vaccines to our current portfolio will allow us to more completely respond to meningococcal disease outbreaks as well as proactively address a critical public health need – the prevention of meningococcal disease across all ages,” said Susan Silbermann, President, Pfizer Vaccines. “Acquiring these quadrivalent vaccines will broaden our ability to address the burden of meningococcal meningitis – an uncommon but serious and sometimes fatal disease. This helps us to further fulfil our vision to protect lives with innovative vaccines to fight serious diseases worldwide and gives us even greater capability to meet the needs of the global community we serve.”