Merck's next-gen pneumococcal shot scores FDA nod, setting up high-stakes clash with rival Pfizer FiercePharma
Let the games begin. Yes, it's a signal for the start of the Olympics. But it's also a call to arms for the next-gen pneumococcal vaccine race. A month after Pfizer gained an approval for its pneumococcal shot, Merck has done the same. With Friday’s FDA nod for Vaxneuvance, Merck has answered Pfizer, whose Prevnar 20 vaccine scored an approval from the U.S. regulator on June 8. Both approvals are for adults. The companies are now set to embark on a high-stakes market clash, with billions of dollars on the line. Both of the next-gen shots offer improved protection against bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. While Vaxneuvance defends against 15 different strains of the bacterium, Pfizer’s shot targets 20, seven more than its current blockbuster Prevnar 13, which rang up $5.95 billion in sales in 2020. In phase 2 and 3 trials, Merck's Vaxneuvance delivered immune responses superior to Prevnar 13 in the shared serotype 3 and for the two sero