The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for priority review, marking a crucial step towards addressing invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults. V116 aims to bridge this gap and become the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine tailored to combat the serotypes responsible for most adult invasive pneumococcal diseases. This trial assessed V116's immunogenicity, tolerability, and safety compared to PCV20 (pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine) in adults who had not previously received a pneumococcal vaccine. V116 is designed for easy administration as a single dose, providing a convenient and effective means to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults. Mortality from invasive pneumococcal disease is particularly elevated among adults aged 50 and older.

Source: Washington Post December 22, 2023 16:12 UTC