Pfizer’s Prevenar 13 designated for adults over 50

Pfizer has announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has granted an expansion to the prequalification of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevenar 13 among adults aged 50 and over.

The expanded designation will facilitate greater access to the drug for the prevention of pneumonia and invasive disease caused by the 13 pneumococcal serotypes contained in the vaccine.

It was previously prequalified for the active immunisation of infants and children from six weeks to five years of age against invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia and otitis media.

Prevenar 13 is now approved for use among over-50s in more than 70 countries.

Susan Silbermann, president and general manager for vaccines at Pfizer, said: "Pfizer is committed to ensuring adult vaccination is prioritised as a key preventive tool around the globe, thereby helping protect this population from infectious diseases as they age."

Earlier this week, it was announced that Pfizer will be collaborating with SFJ Pharmaceuticals on the joint development of a new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.