Merck, Pfizer Pneumococcal Vaccines: More Serotype Protection Vs. Pneumonia Indication

Ahead of CDC advisory committee this fall, Merck highlights additional bacteria serotypes its Vaxneuvance protects against while Pfizer touts Prevnar 13’s indication for pneumonia.

Merck & Co., Inc. hopes to convince the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that its pneumococcal vaccine Vaxneuvance (V114) is beneficial given its protection against 15 bacteria serotypes compared to the 13 serotypes that Pfizer Inc.’s Prevnar 13 protects against.

Merck will need to face down another Pfizer vaccine as well at the committee, and during second quarter earnings calls,...