By Stephen NakrosisPfizer said the Food and Drug Administration approved Penbraya, a vaccine preventing the five most common serogroups causing meningococcal disease, for adolescents and young adults age 10 through 25 years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said meningococcal disease refers to illnesses caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Such illnesses are often severe and can be deadly, the CDC said, adding the best protection is to keep up with recommended vaccines. Pfizer said Friday the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Oct. 25 to "discuss recommendations for the appropriate use of Penbraya in adolescents and young adults." According to Pfizer, the FDA's decision was based on positive results from Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 20, 2023 20:31 UTC