Merck, locked in next-gen pneumococcal vaccine race with Pfizer, strengthens its lead in childhood use

As Merck and Pfizer's next-gen pneumococcal vaccines race toward potential launches in adults later this year, Merck's candidate just ginned up a lead in children.

Merck's V114 passed safety and efficacy bars in two phase 3 trials, the company said Thursday, giving it a timing advantage over the Pfizer rival. The readout sets the stage for Merck to submit an application for its shot in kids by the end of the year, potentially offering an edge over Pfizer, which doesn't expect late-stage pediatric data on its pneumococcal candidate until 2022.