Hib-DTaP vaccine (Wyeth-Lederle)

Wyeth-Lederle Vaccines and Pediatrics has submitted a product licence application to the US Food and Drug Administration for its new 4-component vaccine (Tetracel^TM) for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis in infants 12 to 18 months old.

Tetracel^TM combines Wyeth-Lederle's diphtheria tetanus and acellular pertussis (Acel-Immune®) and Haemophilus influenzae type B (HibTITER®) vaccines. The pertussis component consists of pertussis toxin, filamentous haemagglutinin, pertactin and agglutinogen and is manufactured by Takeda. Wyeth-Lederle claims that Tetracel^TM is safe and offers the convenience of single-dose administration.