GSK-Developed Antiseptic Chlorhexidine Gel For Prevention Of Umbilical Cord Infections Receives European Agency's Endorsement

An antiseptic chlorhexidine gel, developed through a partnership between GSK and Save the Children and designed to prevent umbilical cord infections in newborn infants in developing countries, has received a positive scientific opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency. Caused by bacteria entering the body through a newly cut umbilical cord, omphalitis is a leading cause of infant mortality in developing countries. GSK reformulated the antiseptic solution used in its Corsodyl mouthwash into a gel, integrating Save the Children’s capabilities in reaching some of the world’s most at-risk children. GSK plans to submit applications for government approval for the gel, which will be distributed under the Umbipro brand, in low-income countries with moderate to high rates of neonatal deaths.