GlaxoSmithKline PLC released new data from a late-stage study investigating the London-based company's influenza vaccine Fluarix Tetra.
The phase 3 study met its primary endpoints by demonstrating a 63.2% efficacy in laboratory-confirmed influenza, which was categorized as moderate-to-severe, and 49.8% efficacy against influenza of any severity in children six months to 35 months of age.
"This study ... adds to the growing body of evidence to support universal vaccination including all children from six months of age to help prevent influenza in this age group, as well as the spread of influenza across the community," Thomas Breuer, the chief medical officer of GSK Vaccines, said in a statement.
Fluarix is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to vaccinate children 6 months and older against influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses.
The data comes as the Northern Hemisphere is coping with a severe flu season.
With vaccines showing a low level of efficacy and flu related hospitalizations at a record high, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert said the time is ripe for a "full-court press" in investment and resources to develop a universal influenza vaccine that could protect against more strains of the virus and reduce the need for getting a protective shot every season.
