UPDATE 1-Glaxo gets WHO approval for Synflorix vaccine

* Clears the way for it to be given in developing countries

* First time a pneumococcal shot given WHO clearance

(Adds details)

LONDON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it had received approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its pneumonia vaccine, clearing the way for it to be given to children in the developing world.

The vaccine, Synflorix, is the first of its kind to receive the WHO "prequalification" designation. It is used to treat pneumococcal disease, a bacterial infection which can result in conditions such as pneumonia and meningitis in children.

The vaccine, which was approved by European authorities in March, competes with Pfizer's (PFE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) market-leading Prevnar, which generated worldwide sales of $2.7 billion in 2008. [ID:nLV709766] (Reporting by Ben Deighton)