Meningitis UK's response to Novartis Meningitis B vaccine trials
Meningitis UK is encouraged by the news about the Novartis meningitis B vaccine trials which are being co-ordinated by Dr Ray Barrow from the Health Protection Agency in Manchester, and that a vaccine could be in use within two years.
Kate Rowland, Head of Development at Meningitis UK, said: "This is an encouraging development but until there is a proven, effective vaccine available to all at an affordable price, it is vital that research goes on as there is still a long way to go. At this stage and based on the limited information available, it is too early to assess how effective this vaccine will be.
"Developing an effective vaccine to protect against Meningitis B has always been one of the biggest challenges in meningitis vaccine development. The Meningitis B bacterium is incredibly complex and further research is needed in this area. Many approaches to a vaccine need to be pursued as sadly the vast majority will fail at some stage. We remain hopeful that there will be a vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis in the UK in years to come."
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
