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Introduction of a second MenB vaccine into Europe - needs and opportunities for public health
Jamie Findlow1, Charles Nuttens2, Paula Kriz3
1a Medical & Scientific Affairs - International Developed Markets , Pfizer Limited , Tadworth , UK.
Introduction:
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) can be devastating; it is associated with high case fatality rates and long-term sequelae among many survivors. Five serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) cause nearly all IMD cases worldwide, and serogroup B (MenB) is the most prevalent in Europe. The European Medicines Agency approved the use of MenB-fHbp (Trumenba®; Pfizer Ltd, Sandwich, UK) in individuals ≥10 years of age for the prevention of MenB IMD in May 2017. MenB-fHbp contains two lipidated recombinant fHbp variants from two different fHbp subfamilies that help provide broad coverage against circulating meningococcal strains and may also improve antibody response compared to a nonlipidated antigen.
Areas Covered:
This review summarizes the latest epidemiology evaluating the disease burden of MenB in Europe, introduces MenB-fHbp (the vaccine most recently approved in the European Union for the prevention of MenB IMD), and provides an overview of its development.
Expert Opinion:
MenB is by far the most prevalent meningococcal serogroup in Europe, and its epidemiology is not currently addressed by European immunization recommendations. New strategies to prevent MenB IMD in Europe will continue to develop with the growing use of vaccines to prevent MenB disease, with increasing support through national immunization programs.
Insights
Invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B (MenB) is a significant concern in Europe. A new vaccine, MenB-fHbp, offers broad protection against MenB strains and was approved in 2017.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) presents severe health risks, including high fatality and long-term sequelae.
- Serogroup B (MenB) is the predominant cause of IMD across Europe.
- Current European immunization strategies do not fully address MenB epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current epidemiology and disease burden of MenB in Europe.
- To introduce the MenB-fHbp vaccine, recently approved in the EU.
- To provide an overview of the MenB-fHbp vaccine's development and antigen composition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MenB epidemiology in Europe.
- Summary of the European Medicines Agency's approval of MenB-fHbp.
- Description of the MenB-fHbp vaccine's antigenic components (fHbp variants).
Main Results:
- MenB is the most prevalent meningococcal serogroup in Europe.
- MenB-fHbp, approved in May 2017, targets MenB IMD prevention in individuals aged 10 years and older.
- The vaccine contains two lipidated recombinant fHbp variants for broad strain coverage.
Conclusions:
- MenB remains a significant public health challenge in Europe.
- The development of MenB-fHbp represents a new strategy for MenB IMD prevention.
- Increased use of MenB vaccines is expected, supported by national immunization programs.
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