Pfizer ($PFE) and GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) will provide the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) with 360 million more pneumonia vaccines for the bargain price of $3.50 per dose. According to the Pfizer release, that's a 90% reduction of the vaccines' regular cost. The two Big Pharma companies previously pledged 300 million discount vaccines last year.
Pneumococcal disease can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, explains Reuters, and contributes to half a million child deaths each year. Many of those affected live in poor nations. GSK's Synflorix and Pfizer's Prevnar 13 protect against multiple strains of the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumococcal disease.
Each developer will provide an additional 180 million doses of their respective vaccines, according to company statements, furnishing GAVI with enough vaccine to supply developing nations until 2023. Pfizer said it will increase its manufacturing capabilities to meet the increased Prevnar 13 demand, while GSK says its $400 million investment in its Singapore-based plant will allow the company to produce a steady supply of Synflorix in the coming years.
- here's the Pfizer release
- see the GSK announcement
- read this Reuters article for more