LONDON, Sept 20 (Reuters) - A new four-in-one flu vaccinefrom AstraZeneca has been recommended for approval inEurope, boosting commercial prospects for the next-generationproduct.
Following Friday's green light from the European MedicinesAgency, AstraZeneca said it aimed to replace its currentthree-strain Fluenz vaccine with quadrivalent Fluenz Tetra fromthe 2014/15 flu season - assuming the agency's opinion isendorsed by the European Commission.
Unlike traditional injections, AstraZeneca's vaccine issprayed into the nose. It has been recommended in Europe forpreventing seasonal influenza in children.
Quadrivalent flu vaccines - which also include injectableversions from Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline - areexpected to boost vaccine manufacturers' revenues in the comingyears.