Scientific Conference by GlaxoSmithKline on the Launch of “Bexsero,” Egypt’s First Vaccine for the Prevention of Meningococcal Bacterial Meningitis (Group B)

Sunday 13 Apr 2025

GlaxoSmithKline recently held a high-level scientific conference in conjunction with the launch of “Bexsero,” the first vaccine in Egypt approved by the Egyptian Drug Authority for the prevention of meningococcal disease, commonly known as bacterial meningitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis Group B.

Scientific Conference by GlaxoSmithKline
Scientific Conference by GlaxoSmithKline


This potentially life-threatening disease can lead to severe long-term complications and may be fatal within 24 hours. According to global statistics, one in five infected individuals suffers from serious complications, and one in ten dies from the disease.

Held in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, the conference featured advanced scientific discussions on the various types of meningitis, its progression, and the latest prevention methods. It also marked the official introduction of “Bexsero” to the Egyptian market, in the presence of top pediatric healthcare experts from across the country, as well as leading international specialists in pediatrics and healthcare.

The conference included comprehensive scientific and educational dialogues about the different meningococcal serogroups, their prevalence, and potential presence in Egypt. It also presented data and statistics on the global and regional (North Africa and Egypt) epidemiology of meningitis caused by Group B. The aim was to enhance understanding of the epidemiology and clinical implications of the disease, particularly the strain caused by Neisseria meningitidis Group B.

Experts emphasized the importance of immunizing infants, especially in the months following their second month of life, when infection rates are globally at their highest.

Discussions also addressed the latest vaccine development technologies, particularly the innovative technology used in creating Bexsero. This advancement enabled the development of a groundbreaking vaccine against the highly dangerous and complication-prone Group B strain of meningococcal bacteria.

Experts praised the efforts of the Egyptian government and the health sector in curbing the spread of meningitis by providing vaccines against different meningococcal strains—both through the free immunization of schoolchildren and other vaccines available in the Egyptian market.

The launch of Bexsero in Egypt complements these national efforts to combat meningitis and reflects the dedication of all relevant parties in Egypt—including the Egyptian Drug Authority, the Ministry of Health and Population, and GlaxoSmithKline as a leading healthcare company—to safeguarding the health of Egyptian citizens and ensuring their access to the latest vaccines and innovative treatments.



Among the prominent international participants was Professor Mohamed-Kheir Taha, a distinguished researcher at the Institut Pasteur in France and Head of the Meningococcal Infections Unit. He noted that the development of an effective vaccine against Group B bacteria was a major scientific challenge that took years to overcome. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Bexsero was created and now stands as Egypt’s first vaccine against Group B meningococcal infections. Professor Taha has authored over 238 scientific publications and made significant contributions to the global understanding of bacterial infections and public health. He also wrote a scientific review on the epidemiology of meningitis and vaccination strategies in North Africa, including Egypt.

Also in attendance was Professor José Tomás Ramos Amador, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Complutense University of Madrid and at one of the largest hospitals in Madrid. As an investigator in multiple clinical trials—including those involving Bexsero—he stated that the introduction of this vaccine in Egypt is a vital step in offering effective preventative solutions against Group B meningitis. He emphasized that Group B meningococcal infections account for approximately 16% of bacterial meningitis cases in Egypt, with about half of those attributed specifically to Group B, according to studies. He commended the advanced technology behind Bexsero’s development.

Dr. Ahmed El-Belidi, Professor of Pediatrics at Cairo University, highlighted the severe threat posed by meningitis in children, which can escalate rapidly and cause death within 24 hours. Global statistics show that one in ten patients dies, and one in five suffers severe complications. He pointed out the most common permanent disabilities caused by the disease, including hearing loss, motor disorders, epilepsy, and even limb loss. Due to the difficulty in diagnosing the disease in its early stages—since its symptoms mimic those of other illnesses—preventative vaccination becomes critically important. He stressed that infection rates are especially high in infants under one year of age, followed by those aged one to four.

Dr. Gamal Sami, Professor of Pediatrics at Ain Shams University, discussed the dangers of meningitis (meningococcal disease), which results from inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord—known as the meninges. This inflammation is often caused by bacterial or viral infections and, in some cases, fungal or parasitic infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing serious complications. If left untreated, meningitis can cause irreversible brain or nerve damage, blood poisoning, and even death. Dr. Sami described the symptoms of bacterial meningitis in infants, including unusual irritability, frequent vomiting, refusal to feed, high-pitched crying, blank stares, seizures, and high fever. In older children, symptoms include headaches, neck pain, nausea, sensitivity to light, projectile vomiting, and high fever. He explained that Bexsero is indicated for individuals from two months to 50 years of age and is the first vaccine in Egypt targeting Group B bacteria. He emphasized the need to educate mothers on the symptoms of the disease and the importance of preventive vaccination.

Dr. Mahmoud El-Zalabany, Professor of Pediatrics at Alexandria University, Dean of the Medical Sector at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Alexandria University, highlighted the critical role of pediatricians in Egypt in raising community awareness about meningitis. He urged parents to adhere to both mandatory and optional vaccination schedules to protect their children from the devastating consequences of this disease. He reiterated the vital importance of vaccination, noting that early symptoms of meningitis are often non-specific. Key symptoms typically emerge within 12 to 15 hours, including petechial rash, delirium, neck stiffness, and photophobia (light sensitivity). The disease can result in death or permanent disabilities such as limb loss.

In closing, Eng. Hassan Fahmy, General Manager of GlaxoSmithKline Egypt, expressed his pride and joy at the launch of Bexsero in the Egyptian market. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing access to cutting-edge vaccines and modern medicines developed using the most advanced global technologies. He stated, “The launch of Bexsero in Egypt marks a pivotal step in protecting future generations from a devastating disease like meningitis. We are proud to be trusted partners and will continue to work hand-in-hand with physicians, experts, and health institutions to ensure a safer and healthier future for Egypt’s children.”

 

 

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