Merck Releases Encouraging Data From Two Late-Stage Studies For Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Merck & Co Inc MRK announced topline results from two Phase 3 trials evaluating V116, the company's investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in vaccine-naïve and previously vaccinated individuals. 

If approved, V116 would be the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine specifically designed for adults. 

Results from the STRIDE-3 trial demonstrated statistically significant immune responses compared to PCV20 (pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine) in vaccine-naïve adults for serotypes common to both vaccines as assessed by serotype-specific opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) 30 days post-vaccination. 

Positive immune responses were also observed for serotypes unique to V116. 

Additionally, results from STRIDE-6 demonstrated that V116 was immunogenic for all 21 pneumococcal serotypes in the vaccine among adults who received a pneumococcal vaccine at least one year before the study. 

In both studies, V116 had a safety profile comparable to the comparator. 

Price Action: MRK shares are down 0.88% at $106.20 on the last check Thursday.