New vaccine protects Indian infants from pneumococcal disease

Researchers in India tested a new pneumococcal vaccine, PNEUBEVAX 14, also known as BE-PCV14, on healthy infants to assess its safety and ability to trigger an immune response.

Biological E Limited manufactured the vaccine and led a trial across 31 clinical sites in India. Infants received three initial doses of either BE-PCV14 or a widely used vaccine called Prevenar 13, followed by a booster shot between 12 and 15 months of age.

Investigators, led by Subhash Thuluva, measured antibody levels after the booster to determine how well the vaccine worked. The study included 559 infants receiving BE-PCV14 and 147 receiving Prevenar 13, allowing for direct comparison. Results showed that over 92.8 percent of infants who received BE-PCV14 developed strong antibody responses to all 14 serotypes included in the vaccine. Notably, BE-PCV14 covers two pneumococcal strains, 22F and 33F, that Prevenar 13 does not.

These strains have become more common in areas where Prevenar 13 is widely used, suggesting the new vaccine could offer improved protection against evolving disease patterns. The trial also found that BE-PCV14 was safe, with only mild and temporary side effects reported, similar to those seen with other pneumococcal vaccines. The World Health Organization has already prequalified BE-PCV14, which means it meets international quality standards and can be purchased by programs like UNICEF.

This could increase vaccine availability and lower costs, especially in low- and middle-income countries where pneumococcal disease is a major health threat.