Update: GlaxoSmithKline vaccine linked to increased incidence of narcolepsy in adults

In March, we blogged about the increased incidence of narcolepsy in children and teenagers who received GlaxoSmithKline’s Pandemrix vaccine (a vaccine against H1N1). Studies across Europe noted the link between Pandemrix and the rates of narcolepsy in children. Now, Finland’s National Institute for Health and Welfare has found an increased incidence of narcolepsy in adults who received Pandemrix.

Hospital and primary care records in Finland reveal that adults aged 20-64 years old who received Pandemrix were 3-5 times more likely to develop narcolepsy than unvaccinated people. Studies in Sweden and France have also revealed an increased incidence of narcolepsy in adults vaccinated with Pandemrix. GlaxoSmithKline recognizes that an association has been demonstrated but states that there is insufficient evidence to show that Pandemrix is the cause of the increased incidence of narcolepsy.

GlaxoSmithKline’s Q-Pan H5N1 vaccine is still being considered for approval by the FDA. Q-Pan H5N1 contains AS03, an adjuvant that scientists suggested may be the culprit in Pandemrix causing the narcolepsy in children. Q-Pan H5N1 received support from the committee in November 2012. However, at the end of March, the FDA requested more time to respond.