GSK's liquid meningitis vaccine approved by EU regulators

The European Commission's approval means Menveo is now licenced for active immunisation of children from 2 years of age, adolescents and adults to help protect against IMD – the leading cause of meningitis and septicaemia.

Using a single-vial, fully liquid vaccine means reconstitution isn't needed before use, which should "simplify immunisation and support vaccine uptake", according to Philip Dormitzer, head of global vaccines R&D at GSK.

"We remain committed to safeguarding individuals from bacterial meningitis, and we will persist in our efforts to prevent this devastating disease among at-risk populations in the European Union," Dormitzer said.

According to GSK, one in six people who contract IMD will die, sometimes in as little as 24 hours, while one in five survivors will suffer long-term consequences such as neurological damage, amputations, hearing loss and nervous system problems.

The non-liquid presentation of Menveo is already in use in more than 60 countries worldwide – including in the EU – and more than 82m doses have been distributed since 2010.