Argentina, Pfizer, Sinergium Biotech and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) they drive the production of the PCV20 vaccine, ensuring affordable prices and greater access throughout the region.
PAHO, together with the Government of Argentina, Pfizer and Sinergium, announced the local production of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20). This vaccine will be manufactured in Argentina, according to information from PAHO.
The initiative seeks to facilitate access to medicines throughout Latin America and the Caribbean through PAHO's Regional Revolving Funds, guaranteeing competitive prices for countries in the region.
PCV20 will be available in the region from 2025. The first doses produced in Argentina will be delivered in 2026, especially benefiting children and older adults.
Unlike its predecessors, PCV20 will be presented in pre-filled syringes. This will facilitate its administration, reducing time and logistical costs for countries.
The PAHO Revolving Fund ensures uniform and competitive pricing. In addition, regional shipping will minimize costs and reduce the carbon footprint of the distribution process.
“PAHO is committed to innovative and sustainable technologies,” said Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. The collaboration seeks to ensure safe, effective and accessible vaccines for all.
Advances in the fight against pneumococcus
Pneumococcus is a bacterium responsible for pneumonia, meningitis and other serious infections. Previous vaccines (PCV10 and PCV13) have reduced disease, but do not cover all serotypes.
The new PCV20 vaccine includes seven additional serotypes, offering greater protection. This is key to preventing serious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
In 2021, pneumococcal infections caused 155,000 child deaths worldwide. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 3,345 children under the age of five died that same year.
Pneumonia, one of the main diseases that PCV20 combats, was recently identified by the World Health Organization as one of the 17 priority endemic pathogens which urgently require new vaccines, thus highlighting the global importance of these production efforts
Advances in PCV20 Production: Commitment to Accessibility
This project not only seeks to combat current diseases, but also strengthens the region's capacity to deal with future pandemics and outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Local vaccine production in Argentina strengthens health resilience in Latin America, learning from the challenges overcome during the COVID-19 pandemic.
