Vaccination News

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- An Australian epidemiologist wants the meningococcal vaccine studied noting the bacterial infection is affecting more people than it did 20 years ago.

Mahomed Patel of Australian National University also called for an analysis of historical patterns of meningococcal incidence to better understand, and further prevent meningitis.

"The meningococcal vaccine has been effective since its introduction in 2003, but the disease incidence rate is still higher than 20 years ago," he said. "We could do better."

Vaccine and medical test maker BioVeris Corp. said Tuesday it licensed a Baxter Healthcare Corp. meningitis vaccine for use in a combination vaccine that would require fewer injections per doctor visit.

Under the deal, BioVeris will receive nonexclusive, worldwide patent rights to the development, testing or use of the Neisseria meningitidis group C vaccine.

BioVeris did not disclose financial terms of the deal, but said it paid a license issue fee and may also make future payments for patent costs, milestone fees related to clinical trials and regulatory approvals.