By Colin Kellaher

Merck & Co. on Wednesday said a Phase 3 study of its Vaxneuvance 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine in infants met its key immunogenicity and safety endpoints.

The Kenilworth, N.J., drugmaker, which last month received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the vaccine for adults, said Vaxneuvance was generally well-tolerated in a second study, with a safety profile generally comparable to the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Merck's Phase 3 program for Vaxneuvance includes 16 studies in a variety of populations who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, including 10 investigating the vaccine for use in children and infants.

The company said it plans to seek FDA approval for use of Vaxneuvance in children before the end of the year.

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

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

08-25-21 0751ET