The trials demonstrated V116's effectiveness in generating immune responses across all 21 serotypes covered by the vaccine in diverse adult populations. This included individuals previously unvaccinated against pneumococcal diseases, those with prior vaccination history, and individuals at heightened risk, such as those living with HIV.

Dr. Walter Orenstein, a member of Merck’s Scientific Advisory Committee, emphasized the significance of these findings, highlighting the potential for V116 to address unmet needs in preventing pneumococcal diseases among adults, particularly those at risk due to age or health conditions.

Key findings from the studies include:

• Immunogenicity in pneumococcal vaccine-naïve adults aged 50 and older.
• Comparable immune responses in pneumococcal vaccine-experienced adults, irrespective of prior vaccination type.
• Strong immune responses observed in adults living with HIV, surpassing those induced by currently available vaccines.
• Consistent safety profile across all studies, comparable to existing vaccines.

Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck's Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, expressed optimism regarding V116's potential clinical value. The vaccine's ability to evoke robust immune responses against serotypes responsible for the majority of pneumococcal diseases signifies a promising advancement in adult vaccination.

Furthermore, Merck presented preliminary data from the real-world evidence study, PNEUMO, conducted in the U.S. The study revealed that approximately 84% of pneumococcal serotypes detected in hospitalized adults aged 50 and older were covered by V116, indicating its broad coverage and potential to combat pneumococcal diseases effectively.

These groundbreaking results underscore V116's pivotal role in adult pneumococcal disease prevention and mark a significant step towards addressing a critical healthcare challenge. With the FDA granting V116 priority review, Merck is poised to introduce the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine tailored specifically for adults, pending regulatory approval.