Pneumococcal Vaccine for Pneumonia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines the effectiveness of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC) in preventing pneumonia caused by specific strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The focus is to determine if this vaccine prevents pneumonia confirmed by imaging tests like chest x-rays. Suitable participants are those aged 65 or older, hospitalized with pneumonia symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath, and have their condition confirmed through imaging. Participants will provide basic health information and a urine sample. Researchers will compare those who have received the vaccine to those who have not. The trial will collect information during the hospital stay and follow up on the illness for up to 30 days. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to the potential availability of a new preventive treatment.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What is the safety track record for the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC)?
Research has shown that the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC), also known as Prevnar 20®, is generally well-tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary, including pain at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, and headaches, typically lasting just a day or two.
In rare cases, some individuals might experience a serious allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. However, most side effects are not serious and mainly involve minor reactions like pain and redness at the injection site or a mild fever.
Overall, evidence suggests that 20vPnC is safe for most people, with the majority experiencing only mild and short-lived side effects.12345Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?
Researchers are excited about the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC) because it targets 20 different strains of the bacteria that can cause pneumonia, including seven additional serotypes beyond the ones covered by the existing 13-valent vaccine. This broader coverage means it has the potential to protect against more types of pneumococcal disease, which is a significant improvement over current vaccines. By expanding the range of protection, 20vPnC could reduce hospitalizations due to pneumococcal pneumonia more effectively than the current standard, potentially saving more lives and decreasing healthcare costs.
What evidence suggests that the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is effective against community-acquired pneumonia?
Studies have shown that the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC), which participants in this trial may receive, effectively combats infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria often responsible for pneumonia. Research indicates that vaccines similar to 20vPnC, such as PCV13 and PPSV23, have successfully reduced the risk of pneumonia in adults. The 20vPnC vaccine protects against seven more types of these bacteria compared to earlier versions, potentially offering broader protection. Initial findings suggest that these additional types could enhance the vaccine's ability to prevent pneumonia confirmed by x-ray. The CDC's assessment supports the vaccine's positive effects in reducing disease cases.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Pfizer CT.gov Call Center
Principal Investigator
Pfizer
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Observation
Participants provide demographic and medical history information, and a urine sample for pneumococcal detection
Follow-up
Information on participant's illness and hospitalization details will be collected through day 30 of their hospitalization through medical chart review
Long-term Follow-up
Vaccine effectiveness and clinical characteristics of disease and hospitalization are monitored over a long-term period
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC)
20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC) is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and children
- Active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Pfizer
Lead Sponsor
Albert Bourla
Pfizer
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
PhD in Biotechnology of Reproduction, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Patrizia Cavazzoni
Pfizer
Chief Medical Officer
MD from McGill University