Wyeth backs decision on pneumococcal vaccine funding

Wyeth has expressed its support GAVI Alliance’s decision to financially support the introduction of pnemucoccal conjugate vaccine in developing countries eligible for GAVI funding.

The company has said that the approval is indicative of the alliance’s recognition of the seriousness of pneumococcal disease, with the World Health Organisation reporting that the condition is the leading worldwide cause of death in children under the age of five that is preventable by vaccination.

Bernard Poussot, president and vice chairman of Wyeth, said: “We look forward to working with GAVI and other stakeholders on this important initiative, which will help protect children in developing countries against the devastating consequences of pneumococcal disease.”

Wyeth markets Prevenar, a pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine that is the only pneumoccocal conjugate vaccine on the market. Prevenar proved 97 per cent effective against invasive pneumococcal disease in young children per protocol analysis.

In April, Wyeth announced the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that reported a substantial reduction in antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal disease in both young children and adults over the age of 65, following the introduction of Prevenar to the market.

The company reported that vaccination that prevents incidence of disease could help reduce concerns regarding the issue of antibiotic resistance.