US panel OKs new vaccine for Japanese encephalitis

CHICAGO, June 24 (Reuters) - A U.S. panel has voted to include a new vaccine for Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, made by Intercell AG (ICEL.VI) in its list of recommended vaccines for U.S. travelers, the company said on Wednesday.

Intercell said the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or ACIP, which advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voted to approve the vaccine for U.S. travelers to Asia, miliary personnel, and others at high risk.

The vaccine, called Ixairo, protects against Japanese encephalitis, which affects 30,000 to 50,000 people each year across Asia, killing up to 15,000.

Intercell developed the vaccine and Novartis AG (NOVN.VX) has commercialization rights. (Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen, editing by Jackie Frank)