World Health Organization opens path for international procurement of Pfizer’s Prevenar 13
By APMonday, August 23, 2010
WHO gives Pfizer vaccine nod for int’l procurement
NEW YORK — The World Health Organization has granted prequalification status to Pfizer Inc.’s children’s pneumococcal vaccine, Prevenar 13, paving the way for United Nations agencies and governments to start ordering the product.
The vaccine was developed by Wyeth, which was bought by New York-based Pfizer for $68 billion in 2009. Prevenar 13, which protects against 13 different disease-causing strains, is an advanced version of the original Prevenar, which only protected against 7 strains.
Prevenar 13 was approved in the Food and Drug Administration in February. In March, Pfizer entered into a 10-year “Provisional Supply Agreement” to provide Prevenar 13 to infants and young children in the world’s poorest countries. Pfizer said it is increasing its manufacturing capabilities for the drug in order to meet growing demand.
“We are pleased to receive WHO prequalification as recognition that Prevenar 13 meets the organization’s high standards for quality,” says Emilio Emini, chief scientific officer of vaccine research at Pfizer.
Pfizer shares rose 20 cents to $16.12 in afternoon trading.
