WHO raises influenza pandemic alert to phase 6

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the current level of pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 for the new A (H1N1) influenza virus.

According to the WHO, phase 6 indicates that there now is a pandemic ongoing caused by the virus. The WHO assesses this pandemic as currently being of moderate severity.

In addition to increasing production and supply of the anti-viral medication, Relenza (zanamivir), GSK continues to focus efforts on the development of a candidate A (H1N1) adjuvanted influenza vaccine.

Following receipt of the seed strain from the WHO at the end of May, the company has begun the process necessary for development of the new vaccine at its Canadian and German manufacturing sites. The first step is to prepare the seed strain for production, which will take several weeks. GSK will then start production of the new candidate A (H1N1) influenza vaccine. The first doses of the vaccine antigen are expected to be available in four to six months, subject to regulatory approval.

GSK has offered to convert its intended donation to the WHO of 50 million doses of H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine to the new candidate A (H1N1) adjuvanted influenza vaccine once production begins. As capacity increases, GSK will supply the vaccine to developing countries under a tiered-pricing policy based on World Bank classifications and GAVI eligibility.

In parallel, GSK will continue production of its seasonal influenza vaccine supply for the 2009/2010 Northern Hemisphere influenza season. GSK also continues to supply vaccine for use in the Southern Hemisphere as it enters the winter season this year.