FDA Approves Penbraya (meningococcal groups A, B, C, W and Y vaccine) for the Prevention of the Five Most Common Serogroups Causing Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents

October 20, 2023 -- Pfizer Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Penbraya^TM (meningococcal groups A, B, C, W and Y vaccine), the first and only pentavalent vaccine that provides coverage against the most common serogroups causing meningococcal disease in adolescents and young adults 10 through 25 years of age. Penbraya combines the components from two meningococcal vaccines, Trumenba ® (meningococcal group B vaccine) and Nimenrix ® (meningococcal groups A, C, W-135, and Y conjugate vaccine) to help protect against the five most common meningococcal serogroups that cause most invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) globally.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness that can lead to death within 24 hours and, for survivors, can result in life-altering, significant long-term disabilities. Penbraya reduces the total number of doses needed for individuals to be fully vaccinated against the five most common serogroups, thereby streamlining the standard of care, and potentially increasing the number of adolescents and young adults vaccinated.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), combining vaccines into fewer shots may mean that more adolescents and young adults get their recommended vaccines on time, resulting in fewer delays in protection against serious diseases. Routine use of Penbraya could also reduce IMD cases and associated mortality, the rate of long-term consequences of infection (sequelae) in survivors and costs associated with controlling outbreaks.

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