According to results from a Phase III safety and immunogenicity study
presented today, Prevenar 13 (Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate
vaccine, [13-valent, adsorbed]) was shown to be immunogenic and
generally well tolerated in healthy young children who had received at
least three prior doses of Prevenar (Pneumococcal Saccharide Conjugated
Vaccine, Adsorbed). These data were presented today at the 7th
International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD)
in Tel Aviv, Israel.
“These data further suggest the importance of providing direct coverage
against the 13 most common pneumococcal disease-causing serotypes
worldwide”
Prevenar 13 includes the seven serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and
23F) in Prevenar plus six additional serotypes (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and
19A). Together, these 13 serotypes represent the most prevalent invasive
disease-causing strains in young children worldwide.
“Prevenar has significantly reduced the incidence of invasive
pneumococcal disease in young children in areas where it is routinely
used. The data from this Phase III study showed that children up to 5
years of age previously vaccinated with Prevenar had an increased immune
response against all 13 serotypes included in Prevenar 13,” says Robert
W. Frenck, Jr., M.D., the study’s coordinating investigator and
professor of pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.