Words by Isabel O’Brien
A CDC advisory panel has backed an expanded recommendation for Pfizer and Merck’s pneumococcal vaccines, potentially opening up a significant new market.
In a 14-1 vote, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the vaccines for all adults aged 50 and older, as well as those aged 19 to 49 with specific risk factors, expanding the previous guidance that covered only those aged 65 and over.
The decision could add millions of eligible adults in the US to the vaccination pool, providing a major boost to both Pfizer and Merck. Luis Jodar, Chief Medical Affairs Officer for Global Vaccines and Antivirals, Pfizer, described the move as an “important milestone”, while Merck noted the potential for improved access and increased vaccination rates.
The recommendation is likely to encourage higher vaccine uptake due to its simplicity compared to the more complex risk-based approach previously used. This ease of access was a key consideration, along with cost-effectiveness and health equity benefits, according to the CDC’s work group.
While both Pfizer and Merck’s vaccines offer robust protection, analysts at Leerink Partners believe Merck’s candidate, with its broader coverage of pneumococcal strains, could dominate the adult market initially.
The expanded recommendation awaits final approval from the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services. If approved, it could significantly shift the landscape for pneumococcal vaccines in the US.
