Vaxcyte's next-gen pneumococcal vaccine matches leading shots in Phase 3 trial

Vaxcyte reported that its experimental pneumococcal vaccine, VAX-31, achieved its primary efficacy goals in the first of three Phase 3 studies.

In adults aged 50 and older, the vaccine performed on par with Pfizer's Prevnar 20 and Merck's Capvaxive against 28 bacterial strains and showed better protection against three strains that are not covered by the existing products. It fell short on two strains when a stricter statistical benchmark was applied, but the overall result exceeded market expectations.

The company said the vaccine was well tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate and resolving within two days, mirroring the safety profile of the approved comparators.

Vaxcyte plans to release data from the remaining two late-stage trials later this year as it moves toward a potential regulatory filing.