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ARTICLE | Clinical News

Data show GSK vaccine reduces incidence of malaria

October 19, 2011 12:34 AM UTC

GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) said its RTS,S malaria vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of clinical and severe malaria, the co-primary endpoints, in an African Phase III trial. In 6,000 evaluable children aged 5-17 months, RTS,S reduced the endpoints by 55.8% and 47.3%, respectively, over a 12-month period following vaccination with all three doses compared to the non-malaria comparator vaccine group (p<0.001 for both).

The trial has enrolled 15,460 children in two age categories -- 6-12 weeks of age and 5-17 months of age -- to receive a non-malaria comparator vaccine or three doses of RTS,S given at one month intervals with or without a booster dose given 18 months after the third dose. Data from children in the younger age cohort are expected by year end 2012. Data were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Financial support for the trial was provided through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. GSK could not be reached for comment. ...