PAHO, Argentina, Pfizer, and Sinergium Collaborate on Regional Production of 20-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the Argentinian government, Pfizer, and Sinergium Biotech, has embarked on a significant public health initiative to enhance access to the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) within the Americas. This collaborative effort aims to bolster local production of the vaccine in Argentina, ensuring its widespread availability at affordable prices throughout the region via PAHO’s Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines. This initiative signifies a critical step towards strengthening regional health security and reducing the burden of pneumococcal diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The introduction of PCV20 promises to significantly improve protection against severe pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.

Pneumococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, remains a substantial global health concern, particularly affecting children under five and adults over 70. While previous pneumococcal vaccines, PCV10 and PCV13, have demonstrated positive impacts on child health in Latin America and the Caribbean, the emergence of infections caused by non-vaccine-covered serotypes necessitated the development of a more comprehensive vaccine. PCV20 addresses this challenge by incorporating seven additional serotypes compared to PCV13, thereby offering broader protection against a wider range of pneumococcal strains. This enhanced coverage is crucial for preventing severe illness and reducing mortality associated with pneumococcal infections. The global burden of these diseases remains significant, with estimates indicating a substantial number of deaths among children and older adults, emphasizing the urgency of implementing effective preventive strategies like widespread PCV20 vaccination.

The partnership between PAHO, Argentina, Pfizer, and Sinergium Biotech represents a strategic approach to vaccine production and distribution. By establishing local production capabilities in Argentina, the initiative aims to secure a sustainable and readily accessible supply of PCV20 for the entire region. This localized production model not only reduces reliance on international supply chains but also fosters regional self-sufficiency in vaccine manufacturing, contributing to greater resilience in the face of future pandemics or health crises. The collaboration leverages the expertise and resources of each partner: PAHO’s experience in regional health coordination and vaccine procurement, Argentina’s manufacturing capacity, and Pfizer’s technological expertise in vaccine development.

PAHO’s Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines plays a crucial role in facilitating equitable vaccine access throughout the Americas. This mechanism enables countries to pool their purchasing power, securing competitive prices and ensuring that even smaller nations with limited resources can afford essential vaccines. The Revolving Fund has a proven track record of success, having facilitated vaccine access for over four decades. With PCV20, the fund will enable countries to procure the vaccine at favorable prices, further enhancing affordability and accessibility. The regional distribution facilitated by the fund also minimizes transportation costs and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping.

The introduction of PCV20 in Latin America and the Caribbean is projected to commence in early 2025, with locally produced doses from Argentina expected to be available by 2026. This timeline underscores the commitment to expeditious vaccine rollout and emphasizes the collaborative nature of the initiative. The vaccine will be targeted towards children under two years of age and adults over 60, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations. Importantly, the PCV20 vaccine will be supplied in prefilled syringes, simplifying its administration and enhancing convenience for healthcare providers. This feature is particularly valuable in resource-constrained settings and contributes to efficient vaccine delivery.

This initiative aligns with PAHO’s broader commitment to promoting regional production of essential health technologies and strengthening health systems across the Americas. By fostering local manufacturing capacity and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines, the collaboration contributes to the long-term goal of building more resilient and responsive health systems capable of effectively addressing current and future health challenges. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding the importance of robust vaccine supply chains and regional collaboration, have underscored the value of initiatives like this. The PCV20 project serves as a model for strengthening regional health security and promoting sustainable access to critical health technologies, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced health inequities throughout the Americas.