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osoab
8th February 2011, 06:09 PM
WHO calls for probe of GlaxoSmithKline's swine flu vaccine after reports of narcolepsy (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/pharmaceuticalsandchemicals/8311658/WHO-calls-for-probe-of-GlaxoSmithKlines-swine-flu-vaccine-after-reports-of-narcolepsy.html)


The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for further investigations after more than 12 countries reported cases of narcolepsy in children and adolescents using GlaxoSmithKline's swine flu vaccine.

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly and unexpectedly.

The WHO statement on Tuesday follows a study in Finland that suggested children were nine times more likely to suffer the disorder after taking Pandemrix.

The vaccine remains fully available and the WHO said an increased risk of narcolepsy has never been previously connected to a vaccine. It said the cases were more frequent in Sweden, Finland and Iceland and the issue does not appear to be a "worldwide phenomenon".

A GSK spokesman said: "GSK is reviewing the Finnish report and believes it would be premature to draw any conclusions."

Investors appeared unconcerned, with GSK shares rising 10p to £11.99.