U.S. regulators have approved a new pneumonia vaccine from Merck more than a month after OK'ing an improved version of rival Pfizer’s shot.
Both new shots offer better protection again bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections, as well as garden-variety ear and sinus infections.
Merck said Friday that the Food and Drug Administration approved its shot, called Vaxneuvance, for people aged 18 and up. It protects against 15 of the roughly 100 pneumococcal strains, including those most responsible for severe disease.
Merck hasn’t disclosed its shot’s price or when it will be launched.
........................................Pfizer’s new vaccine protects against seven more strains than the decade-old Prevnar 13, long the world’s most-lucrative vaccine with nearly $6 billion in annual revenue. In one large study, the new shot was 75% effective against the most serious disease.
Merck said testing showed its new vaccine works as well as Prevnar 13 against the strains both vaccines fight, but that it’s more effective against one strain.
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