Merck Sharpe and Dohme to develop new PCV treatment

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced a new collaboration that will focus on the development and commercialisation of a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

The company is allying with Serum Institute of India to form a product advisory committee that will oversee the development and seek prequalification from the World Health Organization for the treatment.

Both firms will be involved in the production of the vaccine and its distribution in emerging and developing world countries, where pneumococcal disease is a prevalent healthcare concern.

At present, one out of every two children immunised in the world receives a vaccine created by Serum, while Merck Sharpe and Dohme is responsible for more than one-third of the world's vaccines for children, adolescents and adults.

Julie Gerberding, president of Merck Vaccines, said: "Working side by side with Serum gives us the best chance of developing and bringing a product to the market that will help to protect more babies and children."

Last month, the company announced a new alliance with Roche to create a combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.