This month, GSK's pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, PENMENVY, has been approved by the FDA in the United States. The vaccine targets the five major serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis that are prevalent globally: A, B, C, W, and Y. The vaccine combines the outer membrane protein from BEXSERO (B group vaccine) and the capsular polysaccharide antigen from MENVEO (A, C, W, Y group vaccine). Clinical trials have shown that the vaccine's safety, tolerability, and immune response in over 4,800 subjects aged 10 to 25 are consistent with GSK's previously approved meningococcal vaccines.

Epidemic Meningitis (Meningococcal Meningitis)

Epidemic meningitis is an acute purulent meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) and is classified as a Category B notifiable infectious disease in China. The disease is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact, with children and adolescents being the primary affected groups. The incubation period is generally 2-3 days. Clinical manifestations include sudden high fever, severe headache, frequent vomiting, petechiae and ecchymoses on the skin, and signs of meningeal irritation. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Neisseria meningitidis is the sole pathogen of epidemic meningitis, and humans are its only natural host. The bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus, characterized by a capsule and pili. Its main virulence factors include the capsule, pili, IgA1 protease, and lipooligosaccharide (LOS). Among these, LOS is the primary virulence component, which can cause sepsis and shock. Based on the structure of the capsular polysaccharide, Neisseria meningitidis is divided into 12 serogroups, including A, B, C, W, X, and Y, with A, B, C, W, X, and Y groups being the most pathogenic to humans.

Currently, common meningococcal vaccines include polysaccharide or conjugate vaccines targeting the A/C/W/Y serogroups, which activate the human immune system to produce specific antibodies using capsular polysaccharides or conjugated polysaccharides. There are also protein vaccines targeting the B group meningococcus (NHBA, fHB, Porin, Opa) that activate the immune system using outer membrane proteins to prevent B group Neisseria meningitidis infections. GSK's pentavalent vaccine integrates protein vaccines and polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, covering vaccines for all five serogroups: A, B, C, W, and Y.

Abmax Launches A/C/W/Y Meningococcal Polysaccharide Detection Kit

Abmax is proud to introduce the A/C/W/Y Meningococcal Polysaccharide Detection Kit. This kit is designed to provide a stable, accurate, and convenient detection tool for the research and development, production, and quality control processes of polysaccharide and polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. It covers the detection of polysaccharides in various stages, including polysaccharide bulk, conjugated sugar bulk, and finished products. Abmax also offers B group meningococcal membrane protein antibodies to support the development of "domestic pentavalent meningococcal vaccines."

Performance Parameters

W

C

Y

A