Pfizer’s Prevenar 13 receives expanded EU approval

Pfizer has announced that its pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevenar 13 has been approved by the European Commission for use among older children and adolescents.

The vaccine has now been cleared for use among patients aged between six to 17 years for active immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease, pneumonia and acute otitis media caused by vaccine-type Streptococcus pneumoniae.

It follows the submission and review of a phase III trial of the drug, which demonstrated its immunogenicity and safety, thus meeting all of its endpoint goals for the study.

Originally introduced in December 2009, Prevenar 13 is now approved for use in more than 120 countries worldwide, making it the most widely-used pneumococcal conjugate vaccine available.

Dr Emilio Emini, chief scientific officer for vaccine research at Pfizer, said: "As the global leader in pneumococcal disease prevention, Pfizer continues to study the use of this life-saving vaccine across all ages.

Last month, it was announced that Tanzania has expanded its immunisation programme to include Prevenar 13 for the prevention of pneumococcal disease.