20-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: A Review of Its Use in Adults

The introduction of multi-valent pneumococcal vaccines around the world, such as the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), has had a significant effect in reducing the burden of disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infection globally. However, S. pneumoniae serotypes not covered by PCV13 still cause significant disease. A 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20; Prevnar20 (R); Apexxnar (R)) has recently been licensed for active immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae in adults. PCV20 contains all components of PCV13 with the addition of polysaccharide conjugates of seven more serotypes, selected based on their generalised geographic distribution and relative prevalence as a cause of pneumococcal disease. The immunogenicity of PCV20 in adults has been demonstrated in a well-designed program of clinical trials which showed that PCV20 administered as a single dose by intramuscular injection induced robust immune responses to all 20 S. pneumoniae serotypes covered by the vaccine. PCV20 was well tolerated, with a tolerability and safety profile similar to that for PCV13. By expanding the coverage of disease-causing S. pneumoniae serotypes relative to other PCVs, PCV20 presents a valuable new tool with the potential to further reduce the impact of pneumococcal disease. Plain Language Summary Pneumonia and other diseases caused by infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae are a significant health concern. The introduction of vaccines targeting multiple S. pneumoniae serotypes [such as the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)] has had a significant effect in reducing pneumococcal disease; however, serotypes not covered by PCV13 still cause significant disease. Recently, a new vaccine [20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20; Prevnar20 (R); Apexxnar (R))] has been developed and licensed for use in immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae in adults. The ability of PCV20 (administered as a single dose by intramuscular injection) to elicit strong immune responses to all 20 serotypes covered by the vaccine was demonstrated in a well-designed program of clinical trials. PCV20 is well tolerated, with pain at the injection site and muscle pain being the most common adverse reactions. By expanding the coverage of disease-causing S. pneumoniae serotypes, PCV20 presents a valuable new tool with the potential to further reduce the impact of pneumococcal disease.

Automated summary

The introduction of multi-valent pneumococcal vaccines, such as PCV13, has significantly reduced the burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection globally. However, PCV13 does not cover all serotypes, and therefore, a new vaccine, PCV20, has been developed to expand the coverage. PCV20 has shown immunogenicity in adults and a similar safety profile to PCV13.