The pneumococcal vaccine market, which has shifted with the introduction of a 15-valent vaccine this year, is expected to again face fierce competition with the approval of a new 20-valent vaccine.

Pfizer, which is about to launch a new product, plans to replace the share of its existing product, Prevenar 13 with its new product, Prevenar 20.

In the process, MSD, which has been gaining market share since the launch of Vaxneuvance, will also be facing increasing challenges to secure its sales.


According to industry sources on the 7th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recently approved Pfizer's ‘Prevenar 20 Prefilled Syringe' (Prevenar 20).

Prevenar 20 is Pfizer's first new pneumococcal vaccine in 14 years, which adds 7 serotypes (serotypes 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F) to the existing Prevenar 13 vaccine.

It can be used to vaccinate infants, children, and adolescents aged 6 weeks to 18 years and adults aged 18 years and older.

Prevenar 20 is expected to be released in the first half of next year, given that Vaxneuvance was approved a year ago on Oct. 31, 2023, and then released to market in April the following year.

A Pfizer spokesperson said, “We are currently working with multiple stakeholders to expedite all processes to accelerate the launch of Prevenar 20. We will share more details as soon as we have a specific launch timeline.”

Prevenar 13 was sold in partnership with Chong Kun Dang for adults and Korea Vaccine for pediatric use. Industry insiders believe that these two companies will have priority in discussing the distribution of Prevenar 20.

If there is one variable in terms of timing, its entry into the National Immunization Program (NIP) would likely be the variable.

Currently, pediatric pneumococcal vaccines are included in the NIP, and both Prevenar 13 and Vaxneuvance are available through the program.

Last year, Vaxneuvance passed the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices within a month of its approval, expanding its market influence by applying the pediatric NIP upon its launch.

In fact, Jae-Yong Cho, executive director of vaccine business at MSD Korea, said at a recent media seminar that “Both the initial vaccination cases using Vaxneuvance for infants and young children under the NIP, as well as cross-dosing cases where subjects are switching from the existing 13-valent vaccine to Vaxneuvance, have been increasing.”

Pfizer is also reportedly in discussions with the KDCA about applying pediatric NIP to Prevenar 20 to gain competitiveness.

“Pediatric pneumococcal vaccination covered by the NIP, so Pfizer has no choice but to enter the NIP to make Prevenar 20 competitive,” said a vaccine industry insider. ”We understand that they are currently in discussions with the KDCA, but whether the drug will be included in the NIP will depend on how Pfizer sets the price.”

The industry's view is that if the discussions between the KCDA and Pfizer go smoothly, it could lead to a quick launch, but if there is a big disagreement on the price, the pharmacoeconomic evaluation process will be inevitable, changing Pfizer's prompt introduction strategy.

“We are making our best efforts to promptly introduce Prevenar 20 into the National Immunization Program. We are working closely with relevant departments to prepare the necessary procedures,” said a Pfizer representative.

Apart from the pediatric NIP entry, pricing is also expected to be a key issue in the adult market, as a non-reimbursed launch is certain in the area.

In the current market, Vaxneuvance is only slightly more than Prevenar 13. The successor to Prevenar 13, Prevenar 20, is expected to be a little more expensive.

Upon its launch, the company had been running TV commercials to build brand awareness for Vaxneuvance. The company has also been emphasizing immunogenicity, which is as important to the vaccine's effectiveness as the scope of protection.