Pfizer gets an FDA fast-pass for an old vaccine with potential military applications
Pfizer spent the last year in a heated race to develop the world’s first coronavirus vaccine and the last few years jockeying with Merck and others to develop a sequel to their blockbuster pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar. Now the FDA is giving the New York drugmaker an expedited review for an inoculation few were watching — one, in fact, that has already been in use for decades.
Pfizer has received priority review for TicoVac, their vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis, setting the company up for a decision by August. If approved, Pfizer said, the vaccine could be given to Americans, including armed service members, traveling to regions where the virus is common, such as Europe and parts of Asia. It would potentially protect travelers against meningitis and long-term neurological symptoms the virus can trigger.
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