Singapore, Mar 18, 2010: The European Commission has permitted Novartis to market Menveo (Meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine) in all 27 European member states.

Menveo is indicated for the active immunization of adolescents and adults at risk of exposure to Neisseria meningitidis groups A, C, W135 and Y, to prevent invasive disease.

Novartis said Menveo is the first conjugate vaccine commercially available in Europe that helps protect against four major groups of meningococcal disease. Novartis intends to submit additional data to the European Medicines Agency to support the use of Menveo in other age groups.

Meningococcal infection is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis - an infection of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord - and sepsis - a bloodstream infection.

"Marketing approval for Menveo for people ages 11 and older is the culmination of 10 years of dedicated effort by Novartis Vaccines to provide a vaccine that can help protect against meningococcal disease," said Andrin Oswald, Division Head of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. "Our priority is to advance the fight against meningitis through innovative vaccines that help save lives."