Pfizer has entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to acquire its quadrivalent meningitis ACWY vaccines, Nimenrix and Mencevax, for a total consideration of approximately $130 million.

Nimenrix is a single dose meningococcal ACWY-TT (tetanus toxoid) conjugated vaccine designed to protect against Neisseria meningitidis, an uncommon but highly contagious disease that can lead to disability and death. It was launched three years ago and is indicated for all age groups one year and older. Nimenrix is currently approved in 61 countries, with registrations under review in another 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Mencevax is a single-dose meningococcal ACWY unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine used to control outbreaks of meningococcal infection and for travelers to countries where the disease is endemic. It’s indicated for use across all age groups from two years of age, and is currently registered and approved in 79 countries across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and New Zealand.

Last year, Pfizer’s Trumenba (Meningococcal Group B Vaccine) was approved in the U.S. for protection against serogroup B meningococcal disease, and Pfizer also acquired NeisVac-C for protection against serogroup C meningococcal disease from Baxter.

“The addition of Nimenrix and Mencevax is an important milestone for Pfizer Vaccines. Adding these two innovative and complementary vaccines to our current portfolio will allow us to more completely respond to meningococcal disease outbreaks as well as proactively address a critical public health need – the prevention of meningococcal disease across all ages,” said Susan Silbermann, president, Pfizer Vaccines. “Acquiring these quadrivalent vaccines will broaden our ability to address the burden of meningococcal meningitis – an uncommon but serious and sometimes fatal disease. This helps us to further fulfill our vision to protect lives with innovative vaccines to fight serious diseases worldwide and gives us even greater capability to meet the needs of the global community we serve.”