PHILADELPHIA, April 2 (UPI) -- Drug giant GlaxoSmithKline said Monday it got U.S. approval for an accelerated dosing schedule for hepatitis vaccine Twinrix.
The company said the Food and Drug Administration has OK'd a dosing regimen for the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine to be taken at three doses given within three weeks, followed by a booster dose at 12 months.
The new vaccination schedule will make it easier for travelers going to high-risk countries, the company said.
The new vaccine regimen means Twinrix is now available on a schedule at 0, 7, 21-30 days, followed by a booster dose at 12 months, Glaxo said.
"Twinrix's new accelerated dosing schedule offers an option that could benefit individuals such as those preparing to travel internationally to high-risk areas," said travel medicine specialist Bradley Connor, in a statement issued by Glaxo. "It may also benefit emergency first care responders, especially those deploying to disaster areas overseas, as well as others at risk for hepatitis, such as people with sexually transmitted diseases and those who are HIV positive."
Twinrix got U.S. approval for adults over age 18 years in May 2001 on a 0, 1, 6-month dosing schedule.
