FDA has approved a vaccine for preventing meningococcal disease in children.

Meningococcal [groups A, C, Y and W-135] oligosaccharide diphtheria CRM197 conjugate vaccine (Menveo, Novartis) for active immunization has been approved to prevent certain forms of meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis in children aged 2 to 10 years. FDA approved the vaccine last year for use in adolescents and adults aged 11 to 55 years.

“The approval of Menveo for the use in children 2 to 10 years of age is another important step toward our goal to protect people of all ages against this devastating disease,” said Andrin Oswald, division head of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics.

“The introduction of Menveo represents a welcome option for conjugate meningococcal vaccines,” said Robert T. Taketomo, PharmD, MBA, president/CEO and chairman of the board, Ventegra, LLC, a Glendale, Calif.-based managed care contracting services organization representing payers, providers, PBMs, and government programs. “It marks the continued growth in the vaccine product portfolio for Novartis while introducing a second alternative in the market. Having another alternative will provide an important buffer for supply given recent recalls and pharmaceutical manufacturing issues.”