Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK) has revealed positive topline results from two Phase III trials assessing the company’s 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate, V116. This vaccine, the first of its kind designed for use in adults, is being evaluated in a comprehensive clinical trial program involving 2,600 patients.
STRIDE-3 Trial Outcomes
In the STRIDE-3 head-to-head trial against Pfizer’s 20-valent conjugate vaccine, Prevnar, V116 demonstrated significantly improved immune responses. The study compared the efficacy of V116 against Prevnar and found that MSD’s candidate provided a more robust immune response, which is a significant advancement in the field of pneumococcal vaccination.
STRIDE-6 Trial Safety and Immunogenicity
The STRIDE-6 study, which assessed the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of V116 in over 700 adults, showed that V116 was immunogenic for all 21 pneumococcal serotypes included in the vaccine. This was observed among adults who had previously received a pneumococcal vaccine at least one year prior to the study, indicating the potential for V116 to provide additional protection to those already vaccinated.
Unique Serotypes Covered by V116
V116 includes eight serotypes not currently covered by approved pneumococcal vaccines, offering the potential for broader protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Serotypes unique to V116, such as 15A, 15C, 16F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, and 35B, were responsible for approximately 30% of invasive pneumococcal disease in individuals aged 65 and older, based on pre-pandemic 2019 CDC data. This highlights the potential impact of V116 in reducing the disease burden in vulnerable populations.-Fineline Info & Tech
