Investing.com -- Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) shares ticked up on Tuesday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the major pharmaceutical company's pneumonia vaccine for an expanded age indication for adults ages 18 to 49.
With the approval from the FDA, the vaccine, Prevenar 13, became the lone treatment on the market available to patients of all ages. Previously, the vaccine had already gained regulatory clearance for treatment of pneumococcal disease affecting adults ages 50 or over.
The expanded age indication, according to Pfizer, now more closely aligns the immunization practices for adults 19 or older with the 2012 U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s Advisory Committee's guidelines for patients with a number of serious diseases. The list ranges from HIV and cancer to other conditions such as cerebral spinal fluid leaks and cochlear implants.
"This expanded age indication in adults 18 to 49 offers an important public health benefit as appropriate vaccination against S. pneumoniae is critical to reducing the risk of pneumococcal disease, including in those with immunocompromising conditions," said Dr. Luis Jodar, Chief Medical and Scientific Affairs Officer, Pfizer Vaccines.
Prevenar 13 was first approved in the European Union in 2009 for use in infants and young adults. Currently, Prevenar 13 is the most widely used pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the world, according to Pfizer and is used in pediatric immunization programs in more than 100 nations worldwide.
Shares in Pfizer inched up 0.02 or 0.06% to 36.26 in after-hours trading. Pfizer closed Tuesday's regular session at 36.24, up 0.09 or 0.25%.