Wyeth seeking approval for advanced infant vaccine

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Wyeth seeking approval for advanced infant vaccine

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090331/ap_on_he_me/wyeth_vaccine

By LINDA A. JOHNSON, AP Business Writer A. , Ap Business Writer

2 hrs 49 mins ago

TRENTON, N.J. – Drugmaker Wyeth is seeking U.S. approval to sell a new version

of its blockbuster infant vaccine Prevnar that protects against more strains of

a germ that causes pneumonia.

Prevnar currently protects against seven of the most common strains of a strep

bateria. The germ can cause ear infections and pneumonia and life-threatening

conditions including bloodstream infections and meningitis.

The new version, called Prevnar 13, protects against those seven strains of

bacteria, plus six others that cause the same diseases. The six new strains

include one that is becoming more prevalent around the world and often is

antibiotic-resistant.

Wyeth applied for Food and Drug Administration approval today and is hoping for

an expedited decision.