Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PREVNAR 20®(20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) serotypes contained in the vaccine in infants and children six weeks through 17 years of age, and for the prevention of otitis media in infants six weeks through five years of age caused by the original seven serotypes contained in PREVNAR®. “Today's FDA approval of our vaccine, PREVNAR 20, now offers parents the ability to help protect their children against 20 pneumococcal serotypes in circulation, which represent the majority of pneumococcal disease in U.S. infants and children,"1,2 said Annaliesa Anderson, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer. “This important PREVNAR 20 approval builds on more than 20 years of real-world impact with PREVNAR and PREVNAR 13, safety data, and effectiveness; highlighting Pfizer's leadership in developing groundbreaking pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to help protect infants and their families from life threatening infections. We are grateful to the families and clinical investigators who participated in this research and our colleagues who have worked tirelessly to develop this breakthrough vaccine.”
PREVNAR 20 PEDIATRIC INDICATION NOW APPROVED
U.S. FDA Approves PREVNAR 20®, Pfizer’s 20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine for Infants and ChildrenThursday, April 27, 2023 - 03:42pmPREVNAR 20 offers the broadest serotype coverage of any pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, helping to protect against all 20 serotypes contained in the vaccine
PREVNAR 20 builds on PREVNAR 13® and includes seven additional serotypes shown to be associated with antibiotic resistance, heightened disease severity, invasive potential, and prevalence in pediatric pneumococcal cases.1
The vaccine further advances Pfizer’s pediatric pneumococcal vaccine portfolio and builds on more than 20 years of Pfizer leadership, legacy and innovation in developing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PREVNAR 20®(20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) serotypes contained in the vaccine in infants and children six weeks through 17 years of age, and for the prevention of otitis media in infants six weeks through five years of age caused by the original seven serotypes contained in PREVNAR®.
“Today's FDA approval of our vaccine, PREVNAR 20, now offers parents the ability to help protect their children against 20 pneumococcal serotypes in circulation, which represent the majority of pneumococcal disease in U.S. infants and children,"1,2 said Annaliesa Anderson, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer. “This important PREVNAR 20 approval builds on more than 20 years of real-world impact with PREVNAR and PREVNAR 13, safety data, and effectiveness; highlighting Pfizer's leadership in developing groundbreaking pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to help protect infants and their families from life threatening infections. We are grateful to the families and clinical investigators who participated in this research and our colleagues who have worked tirelessly to develop this breakthrough vaccine.”
In the United States, there remains a considerable burden of disease attributed to serotypes not included in currently approved pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).1 PREVNAR 20 builds on Pfizer’s approved PREVNAR 13 vaccine, and includes seven additional serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F and 33F) shown to be associated with antibiotic resistance, heightened disease severity, invasive potential, and prevalence in pediatric pneumococcal cases.1 Moreover, data show that the additional seven serotypes included in PREVNAR 20 are among some of the most common serotypes causing pediatric IPD in countries, like the U.S., with existing pneumococcal vaccination programs.1 A study found that the seven additional serotypes alone accounted for an estimated 37% of IPD in U.S. children under five years of age.1
“With the approval of PREVNAR 20 for the pediatric indication, we now have an expanded vaccine to help provide infants and children with the broadest serotype protection in a PCV, helping to protect against the 20 serotypes in the vaccine, which includes the specific serotypes responsible for significant burden of disease in children under five,” said Dr. Sheldon Kaplan, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Chief, Infectious Disease Service, Texas Children's Hospital. "We are thrilled with this approval as it signifies a new chapter in pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccination. Based on the real-world results we’ve observed with PREVNAR 13, PREVNAR 20 has the potential to greatly reduce the substantial remaining burden of pneumococcal disease among U.S. infants and children and help protect them against this potentially serious disease.”
The FDA’s decision is based on results from the Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trial programs for the pediatric indication for PREVNAR 20. Three core Phase 3 pediatric studies contributed to data on the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of PREVNAR 20, including previously announced positive, top-line results of the pivotal U.S. Phase 3 study (NCT04382326). Further positive data from a Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 study (NCT03512288) that assessed the safety and immunogenicity of PREVNAR 20 also supported the FDA’s decision.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is committed to taking action as soon as possible on new vaccines after FDA approval. The next regularly scheduled ACIP meeting is June 21-22, 2023.
About 20-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate (PREVNAR 20) Vaccine Regulatory Review
The FDA granted PREVNAR 20 Breakthrough Therapy Designation in August 2020 for the pediatric indication for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Breakthrough Therapy Designation is designed to expedite the development and review of drugs and vaccines that are intended to treat or prevent serious conditions and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug or vaccine may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapy on a clinically significant endpoint(s).3 Drugs and vaccines that receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation are eligible for all features of the FDA’s Fast Track designation, which may include more frequent communication with the FDA about the drug’s development plan and eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review, if relevant criteria are met.4
In August 2022, Pfizer announced positive top-line results from its pivotal Phase 3 study in U.S. infants (NCT04382326) and, in January 2023, the U.S. FDA accepted for priority review a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for PREVNAR 20 for the prevention of IPD for the pediatric indication.
Additional positive top-line results from Pfizer’s Phase 3 study (NCT04546425) in infants in the European Union were announced in September 2022. In November 2022, Pfizer submitted the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate pediatric indication to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
INDICATIONS FOR PREVNAR 20
PREVNAR 20 is a vaccine approved for:
the prevention of invasive disease caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F) in individuals 6 weeks and older.
the prevention of otitis media (middle ear infection) caused by 7 of the 20 strains in individuals 6 weeks through 5 years.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PREVNAR 20
PREVNAR 20 should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of PREVNAR 20 or to diphtheria–toxoid-containing vaccine.
Individuals with weakened immune systems may have a lower immune response. Safety data are not available for these groups.
A temporary pause in breathing after getting the vaccine has been observed in some infants who were born prematurely. For premature infants, talk to your doctor about the infant's medical status when deciding to get vaccinated with PREVNAR 20.
In individuals 2, 4, 6, and 12 through 15 months of age vaccinated with a 4-dose schedule, the most common side effects reported at a rate of >10% were irritability, pain at the injection site, drowsiness, decreased appetite and injection site redness, injection site swelling, and fever.
In individuals 15 months through 17 years of age vaccinated with a single dose, the most common side effects reported at a rate of >10% were irritability, pain at the injection site, drowsiness, fatigue and muscle pain, decreased appetite, injection site swelling and injection site redness, headache, and fever.
Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of PREVNAR 20. Only a doctor can decide if PREVNAR 20 is right for your child.
View the full Prescribing Information.
INDICATIONS FOR PREVNAR 13
PREVNAR 13 is a vaccine approved for children 6 weeks through 17 years of age for the prevention of invasive disease caused by 13 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F), and for children 6 weeks through 5 years for the prevention of otitis media caused by 7 of the 13 strains.
PREVNAR 13 is not 100% effective and will only help protect against the 13 strains included in the vaccine.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
PREVNAR 13 should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of PREVNAR 13 or any diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccine
Children with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV infection, leukemia) may have a reduced immune response
A temporary pause of breathing following vaccination has been observed in some infants born prematurely
The most commonly reported serious adverse events in infants and toddlers were bronchiolitis (an infection of the lungs) (0.9%), gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and small intestine) (0.9%), and pneumonia (0.9%)
In children 6 weeks through 17 years, the most common side effects were tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, irritability, decreased appetite, decreased or increased sleep, and fever
Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of PREVNAR 13. Only a healthcare provider can decide if PREVNAR 13 is right for your child
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE:
The information contained in this release is as of April 27, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about Pfizer’s PREVNAR 20®, including its potential benefits, an approval in the U.S. for a pediatric indication, and an application submitted to the EMA for a pediatric indication, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of PREVNAR 20; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any biologics license applications may be filed in any other jurisdictions for PREVNAR 20 for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia in infants and children six weeks through seventeen years of age and in any jurisdictions for any other potential indications; whether and when the pending in the EU may be approved and whether and when any such other applications that may be pending or filed may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product’s benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product’s efficacy and, if approved, whether PREVNAR 20 will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of PREVNAR 20; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain recommendations from vaccine advisory or technical committees and other public health authorities regarding PREVNAR 20 and uncertainties regarding the commercial impact of any such recommendations; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results”, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.
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1 Senders, S., et al. (2021, October 1). Safety and immunogenicity of a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in healthy infants in the United States. The Pediatric infectious disease journal. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8443440/
2 Gierke, R. (2022, February 24). Current Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Disease and Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage among Children, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/114840
3 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Breakthrough Therapy https://www.fda.gov/forpatients/approvals/fast/ucm405397.htm
4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fast Track https://www.fda.gov/ForPatients/Approvals/Fast/ucm405399.htm
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Source: Pfizer Inc.
Merck Receives New Vaccine Vaxneuvance™ Approval
Merck Announces U.S. FDA Approval of VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) for the Prevention of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Adults 18 Years and Older Caused by 15 Serotypes
VAXNEUVANCE, Merck’s approved 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, consists of purified capsular polysaccharides from S. pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F individually conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein. VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by the S. pneumoniae serotypes contained in the vaccine. VAXNEUVANCE previously received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for the prevention of IPD in adults 18 years of age and older. In January 2021, it received Priority Review designation. Read more here.
Pfizer’s Prevnar 20 vaccine wins FDA approval
The company has now scored FDA approval for its Prevnar 20 vaccine for adults 18 and older.
The vaccine is the first to offer protection against 20 serotypes of pneumococcal disease that cause the majority of pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. In addition to the capsular polysaccharide conjugates already included in Prevnar 13, the new vaccine adds conjugates for seven different serotypes linked with invasive pneumococcal disease, antibiotic resistance and meningitis.
Learn more about Prevnar 20 here.
Announcing a combination vaccine arriving [June 2021]
Sanofi Pasteur Returns Process Guide 2021
Ransomware threat targeting health care providers
On October 28, the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alerted the health care industry to an increased ransomware threat by criminals seeking to capitalize on the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. elections.
These agencies recommend that providers and their office staff take the following precautions when using email:
Pay close attention to domain names, particularly those that seem suspicious, misleading, or misspelled.
Do not click on links or attachments from senders that they do not recognize and be especially wary of .zip or other compressed or executable file types.
Do not provide sensitive personal information (like usernames and passwords) over email.
Be especially cautious when opening attachments or clicking links if they receive an email containing a warning banner indicating that it originated from an external source.
These agencies do not recommend paying ransoms, as payment does not guarantee files will be recovered. If you or your group becomes a victim of ransomware, CISA recommends that you respond by using the Ransomware Response Checklist, which can be found in the CISA and MS-ISAC's Joint Ransomware Guide. The checklist contains steps for detecting and eradicating ransomware.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Detailed information about ransomware and a copy of the full alert of October 28th can be found on the CISA website.
Sanofi Pasteur’s Latest MenACWY Vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur announces another advancement in the fight to prevent meningococcal disease. MenQuadfi™ (Meningococcal [Groups A, C, Y, W] Conjugate Vaccine) has been approved by the FDA for active immunization for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. MenQuadfi is approved for use in individuals 2 years of age and older. MenQuadfi does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease.
The development of MenQuadfi and the high seroresponse generated in clinical trials illustrates Sanofi Pasteur’s continued commitment and leadership as a longstanding pioneer in meningococcal
vaccines. ¹⁻⁴
Linked to this webpage are documents with additional information on MenQuadfi:
MenQuadfi Flashcard – contains information on studies in which MenQuadfi was compared head-to-head with other licensed quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines
MenQuadfi Prescribing Information – contains important clinical and product information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
MenQuadfi should not be administered to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, or after a previous dose of MenQuadfi or any other tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.
Appropriate observation and medical treatment should always be readily available in case of an anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine.
Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including some individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have reduced immune responses to MenQuadfi. Persons with certain complement deficiencies and persons receiving treatment that inhibits terminal complement activation (eg, eculizumab) are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by N meningitidis, including invasive disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination with MenQuadfi.
Syncope can occur following, or even before, vaccination with MenQuadfi. Procedures should be in place to prevent falling and injury and to manage syncope.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported in temporal relationship following administration of another US-licensed meningococcal quadrivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. The decision to give MenQuadfi to persons with a history of GBS should take into account the expected benefits and potential risks.
Immunization with MenQuadfi does not substitute for routine tetanus immunization.
Vaccination with MenQuadfi may not protect all vaccine recipients.
The most common adverse reactions following a primary dose of MenQuadfi in individuals 2 years of age and older include pain at the injection site; myalgia, headache, and malaise. Other common adverse reactions in children 2 through 9 years of age include erythema and swelling at the injection site. In adolescents and adults, rates of solicited adverse reactions following a booster dose were comparable to those observed following primary vaccination. Other adverse reactions may occur.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for MenQuadfi.
Reference:
1. MenQuadfi [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
2. Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). Vaccine timeline. https://www.immunize.org/timeline/. Accessed July 17, 2020.
3. Menactra [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Menactra [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
4. Federal Drug Administration. September 4, 2014 approval letter - Menactra [letter]. September 4, 2014.
http://wayback.archiveit.org/7993/20170723032500/https://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm413177.htm. Accessed July 17, 2020
If you have any questions, or if PRN’s staff can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 888-PRN-2360 or by email at admin@prngpo.com.
Sanofi Pasteur’s Latest MenACWY Vaccine Has Been Added to Our Purchasing Contract
MenACWY vaccines, MenQuadfi™ (Meningococcal [Groups A, C, W, Y] Conjugate Vaccine) has been added to our contract. Our members will have the ability to begin reserving doses through VaccineShoppe.com on October 1, 2020 for scheduled shipment in 2021.
MenQuadfi is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. MenQuadfi is approved for use in individuals 2 years of age and older. MenQuadfi does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease.
MenQuadfi has both a unique National Drug Code (NDC) number and CPT code:
National Drug Code (NDC number) 49281-590-05
CPT code 90619
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.
MenQuadfi is approved for use in individuals 2 years of age and older, with no upper age limit.1
MenQuadfi can be given as a primary dose to persons 2 years of age and older, and a booster dose can be given to persons 15 years and older. 1
MenQuadfi is supplied in 0.5 mL single-dose vials as a ready-to-use solution that does not require reconstitution.1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
MenQuadfi should not be administered to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, or after a previous dose of MenQuadfi or any other tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.
Appropriate observation and medical treatment should always be readily available in case of an anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine.
Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including some individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have reduced immune responses to MenQuadfi. Persons with certain complement deficiencies and persons receiving treatment that inhibits terminal complement activation (eg, eculizumab) are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by N meningitidis, including invasive disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination with MenQuadfi.
Syncope can occur following, or even before, vaccination with MenQuadfi. Procedures should be in place to prevent falling and injury and to manage syncope.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported in temporal relationship following administration of another US-licensed meningococcal quadrivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. The decision to give MenQuadfi to persons with a history of GBS should take into account the expected benefits and potential risks.
Immunization with MenQuadfi does not substitute for routine tetanus immunization. Vaccination with MenQuadfi may not protect all vaccine recipients. The most common adverse reactions following a primary dose of MenQuadfi in individuals 2 years of age and older include pain at the injection site; myalgia, headache, and malaise. Other common adverse reactions in children 2 through 9 years of age include erythema and swelling at the injection site. In adolescents and adults, rates of solicited adverse reactions following a booster dose were comparable to those observed following primary vaccination. Other adverse reactions may occur.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for MenQuadfi.
Reference: 1. MenQuadfi vaccine [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
Guidebook: Adaptive Vaccinations Solutions
Protecting patients is now more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty and a “new normal” which requires adaptation and rethinking of how patients receive routine care. The arrival of influenza season this fall will bring additional health risks. Providers and healthcare systems are encouraged to expand efforts to increase influenza vaccination rates to help mitigate the impact of both diseases.
Our partners at Sanofi Pasteur have created the Adaptive Vaccinations Solutions (AVS) guidebook to help providers plan their approach to flu immunizations.
In this interactive guidebook you’ll find:
✔ Considerations to help choose the right alternative vaccine solution for your practice
✔ Guidance on how to host walk-thru clinics and drive-thru clinics
✔ Resources for general flu immunizations planning
✔ Recommendations on incorporating flu immunization discussions into telehealth visits