As per recent data published in
The Lancet
,
Novartis'
(
NVS
) vaccine candidate, Bexsero (meningococcal group B vaccine
[rDNA, component, adsorbed]), is safe and provides a strong
immune response when administered as a three-dose primary series
along with routine vaccines.
The phase III study was conducted with 3,630 infants in the
age group of two months and above. On a random basis, infants
were administered routine vaccines at two, four and six months
alone or with either Bexsero or a serogroup C conjugate
vaccine.
Other vaccines that were administered included 7-valent
pneumococcal glycoconjugate vaccine and combined diphtheria,
tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated polio, hepatitis B and
hemophilus influenza type b vaccine.
Novartis is currently seeking European approval of Bexsero (2
months of age and older) for protection from meningococcal group
B (MenB) disease. If approved, Bexsero will be the first and only
broad coverage MenB vaccine for all age groups including
infants.
We note that The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human
Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) provided a
positive opinion on Bexsero in Nov 2012.
Novartis should gain approval for Bexsero as the European
Commission generally follows the recommendation of the CHMP - a
decision should be out by Feb.
Novartis is already in talks with governments interested in
the early adoption of the vaccine and plans to make Bexsero
available soon after approval. A part of the ramp up following
approval is expected in 2013 while the majority will take place
in 2014.
Bexsero's approval will enable Novartis to offer vaccines to
help prevent all five of the most common and most virulent
meningococcal serogroups.
We are encouraged by Novartis's progress with its pipeline and
have a Neutral recommendation on Novartis as of now. Novartis
currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Other pharma stocks which currently look attractive are
Johnson & Johnson
(
JNJ
) and
Bayer
(
BAYRY
) which carry a Zacks Rank #2.
BAYER A G -ADR (BAYRY): Free Stock Analysis
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NOVARTIS AG-ADR (NVS): Free Stock Analysis
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