By Colin Kellaher

Merck & Co. on Friday said the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended approval of its Vaxneuvance 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine in adults.

The Kenilworth, N.J., drugmaker said the recommendation covers Vaxneuvance for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals 18 years of age and older.

The European Commission, which generally follows the CHMP's advice, will now review the recommendations, with decisions expected by the end of the year.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year approved Vaxneuvance for adults.

Write to Colin Kellaher at colin.kellaher@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-15-21 0813ET