Menveo

Menveo is a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The vaccine contains purified polysaccharides from these serogroups conjugated to CRM197, a non-toxic mutant of diphtheria toxin, to enhance the immune response.

Developed by Novartis Vaccines and Vaccines, Menveo is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) following the company’s acquisition of Novartis Vaccines. It was first licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for individuals typically aged 11 through 55 years, with regional approvals expanding its use in appropriate age groups.

Administration is by a single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection. Depending on national guidelines, a booster dose during adolescence or later may be recommended to maintain protection, especially for individuals at ongoing risk of meningococcal disease.

Safety and efficacy: protection is assessed by serogroup-specific bactericidal antibodies, with effectiveness varying by population and serogroup. Common adverse events include injection-site pain, redness, and swelling, as well as fever and irritability. Serious adverse events are rare. Contraindications include a known severe allergic reaction to a previous Menveo dose or to any component of the vaccine; vaccination should be deferred in cases of moderate or severe acute illness, and special considerations may apply for certain immunocompromised individuals.