The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7400 p558
13 May 2006

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HBvaxPRO remains effective

The vaccines HBvaxPRO, which is available in the UK, and Procomvax continue to offer effective protection against hepatitis B infection, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) stated earlier this week.

The announcement follows a review of the vaccines, initiated because they contain the same recombinant hepatitis B component as Hexavac, a vaccine available elsewhere in Europe. Hexavac’s marketing authorisation is currently suspended owing to concerns about its long-term protection against hepatitis B.

The EMEA is waiting for more long-term data on HBvaxPRO and Procomvax but says that its review has not revealed any evidence of decreased effectiveness. It has recommended some changes to the vaccines’ product information to clarify optimum use.