Bexsero®: First Vaccine to Prevent Meningococcal Serogroup B (MenB) Now Available in Canada

DORVAL QC, Feb. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Novartis announced today that Bexsero^® (Multicomponent Meningococcal B Vaccine [recombinant, adsorbed]) is now available to doctors and pharmacists across Canada. The vaccine is approved for use in individuals from two months through 17 years of age in Canada. Infants, toddlers and adolescents are at the greatest risk of meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) infection.¹ Bexsero^® is the first broad-coverage vaccine to help protect against MenB disease.^1,2 Prior to Bexsero^®, vaccines were only available to help protect against meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y.³

"Bexsero^® is an important milestone in the fight against meningococcal disease, offering Canadian families protection against MenB, the remaining and most common strain of the disease," said Dr. Ron Gold, Senior Medical Advisor for the Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada and retired Chief of Infectious Disease at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. "Canadian parents now have peace of mind knowing that they have access to this vaccine to help protect their families from a disease that can progress rapidly, affecting anyone at any time."

About Meningococcal B Disease

MenB infection is the most common strain of meningococcal disease across Canada, particularly in infants.⁴ It is responsible for 80 per cent of meningococcal cases in infants under one year of age, 67 per cent in one to four year olds and 62 per cent of the cases in adolescents aged 15 to 19.⁴ Although rare, this disease can affect healthy people rapidly and without warning.⁵ Meningococcal disease can cause mortality in 24 to 48 hours and symptoms can often resemble the flu, making this disease initially misdiagnosed in its early stages.⁵

Kate Healy experienced first-hand the terrible effects of meningitis when she contracted MenB in 2012. Now at 18 years of age, this vibrant teenager lives an active life filled with potential. "As a survivor of meningitis myself, I know the tough and unpredictable challenges that other survivors and their families have to go through," said Healy. "I am extremely thankful to know that now, there is a vaccine available that will help protect other children and their families from such a devastating disease."

To learn more about MenB and Bexsero^®, Canadians are encouraged to speak to their doctor.

About Bexsero^®

Bexsero^® is the result of more than 40 years of pioneering vaccine research.⁶ The tolerability profile and immunogenicity of Bexsero^® have been established through a comprehensive clinical program involving infants, children, adolescents and adults.² Bexsero^® was approved by Health Canada in December 2013 and is also authorized for use in Europe and Australia.

Bexsero^® provides a flexible option that can fit into different vaccination schedules.^7,8 When given with other routine infant vaccinations there is little impact on immunogenicity of Bexsero^® or the other vaccines.^7,8

The availability of Bexsero^® underscores the unique leadership position of Novartis in the global fight against devastating meningococcal disease. Together, Bexsero^® and Menveo^® help to protect against all five main serogroups of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y and now B) that cause virtually all cases around the world.³

About Novartis Inc.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2012, the company invested close to $100 million in research and development in Canada. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs more than 600 people in Canada. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2012, the Group achieved net sales of USD 56.7 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.3 billion (USD 9.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 129,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

^® Bexsero and Menveo are registered trademarks.

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¹ January 2014 http://www.novartis.ca/downloads/en/News/FINAL_Press_Release_Bexsero_12-06-13_E.pdf ^{2 3} August 24, 2013 http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1517/147.12598.5.12.1611 ⁴ January 2013 ⁵ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360272/pdf/002 ⁶ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11257410 ^{7 8} http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61961-8

SOURCE: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

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