Pfizer to provide Prevenar 13 doses through Unicef agreement

Pfizer has signed a new supply agreement with the GAVI Alliance to provide additional doses of Prevenar 13 for use among infants and young children in the world's poorest countries.

Up to 260 million doses of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine will be supplied to Unicef at a reduced tail price over the course of the agreement period between now and 2025, in addition to 480 million doses already committed through two previous supply agreements.

Pneumococcal disease is one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide in children younger than five years of age, with Pfizer's therapy offering protection against 13 strains of the disease.

Susan Silbermann, president for vaccines at Pfizer, said: "Strong vaccination programmes are a cornerstone of economic development – a simple intervention that has dramatic short and long-term impact on health."

Earlier this week, the company announced plans for a major corporate restructuring, which will involve the internal separation of its commercial operations into three new business segments.