WHO grants PQ status to Biological E.’s 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

Vaccine maker Biological E.’s 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pneubevax 14 (BE-PCV-14) has received World Health Organization (WHO) pre-qualification status.

The PQ enables broader reach through global immunisation initiatives. It will enhance global access to high-quality pneumococcal vaccines and strengthen supply security, particularly for children who need them most, Biological E. managing director Mahima Datla said.

“We remain committed to supporting public health partners in delivering affordable, reliable vaccines across India and around the world,” she said.

The company said BE-PCV-14 becomes its 11th WHO pre-qualified vaccine. Developed to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases, the vaccine protects against infections caused by 14 different streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes, including serotypes 22F and 33F — two strains not covered by select other PCVs, BE. said on Thursday in a release announcing the PQ.

The vaccine is administered to infants from six weeks of age. It is designed to guard against serious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis as part of the primary vaccination schedule. Clinical studies show the vaccine has a good safety profile and induces robust, serotype-specific immune responses to all 14 targeted strains.