GlaxoSmithKline plc GSK and Pfizer PFE both received an expanded recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for their meningococcal group B vaccines, Bexsero and Trumenba, respectively. However, the committee’s opinion fell short of recommending a routine use of the vaccines in patients, thereby leaving the decision to vaccinate against meningococcal group B to qualified health care professionals, following an individual patient risk assessment.

The ACIP vote came after four months of the committee recommending both Bexsero and Trumenba to be used in individuals who are at an increased risk of meningococcal disease.

Label for Bexsero

The ACIP rendered a category B recommendation for Bexsero to be used in individuals aged 16 through 23 years with 16- to 18-year-olds as the preferred age group. We note that Bexsero gained accelerated approval in the U.S. in Jan 2015 for the active immunization from the age of 10 through 25 years against invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

We remind investors that Bexsero became a part of Glaxo’s vaccines portfolio following the acquisition of Novartis’ NVS Vaccines business (excluding influenza vaccines), including Menveo for $5.25 billion in cash plus up to $1.8 billion in milestone payments along with royalties.

Label for Trumenba

Trumenba is recommended for administration between the ages of 16 through 23 years, with preferred timing for vaccination between ages 16 through 18 after an individual clinical decision making.

Trumenba too was granted accelerated approval in the U.S. for active immunization to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in individuals 10 through 25 years of age last October.

Considering the seriousness and prevalence of meningococcal disease particularly the group B one in the U.S., the ACIP decision is encouraging.

Meanwhile, both Glaxo and Pfizer were in the news earlier this week when the former entered into an agreement with the latter to divest its quadrivalent meningitis ACWY vaccines, Nimenrix and Mencevax, in a deal valued at about $130 million (€115 million) (read more:  Pfizer to Buy Two Meningitis Vaccines from Glaxo for $130M).

While Glaxo carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), Pfizer is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD is a better-ranked stock in the health care sector carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
NOVARTIS AG-ADR (NVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research