Merck, Sharp & Dohme Inc. (MSD; NYSE: MRK), a leading U.S. pharmaceutical company, has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Capvaxive (Pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine). The vaccine is indicated to prevent invasive disease caused by a range of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in adults, including 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B. It is specifically designed to prevent pneumonia caused by these serotypes.
Capvaxive covers eight unique serotypes not included in other currently approved pneumococcal vaccines, which are responsible for an estimated 27% of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases in adults aged 50 and older, and about 30% in adults aged 65 and older, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MSD has sourced the vaccine from its long-term partner Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: LGND), which is set to receive royalties on sales of the vaccine.- Flcube.com
