Merck announced that its 21‑valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, CAPVAXIVE®, has been added to Saskatchewan’s publicly funded adult immunization program, extending coverage to all adults 18 and older in the province.
CAPVAXIVE® protects against 21 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes, a broader range than existing products such as Pfizer’s Prevnar 20. The vaccine’s approval by Health Canada in July 2024 and its inclusion in the provincial program are guided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s recommendations, underscoring its clinical value and public‑health relevance.
For Merck, the move represents a strategic pivot toward a diversified revenue base. The company has been working to reduce its dependence on the oncology blockbuster Keytruda, which faces impending patent expirations. By securing a spot in a publicly funded program, CAPVAXIVE® gains a stable, long‑term demand pipeline that can support the vaccine division’s growth trajectory and offset the expected decline in Keytruda sales.
The pneumococcal vaccine market is expanding as governments worldwide adopt higher‑valent conjugate vaccines. CAPVAXIVE®’s 21‑valent formulation gives it a competitive edge over 20‑valent competitors, potentially capturing a larger share of adult IPD (invasive pneumococcal disease) cases. Early sales data from the first nine months of 2025 show strong uptake, suggesting that the Saskatchewan program will contribute significantly to the vaccine’s market penetration.
Dr. Dean Y. Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories, said, “Adding CAPVAXIVE® to Saskatchewan’s adult immunization program demonstrates the vaccine’s proven effectiveness and our commitment to expanding access to high‑coverage pneumococcal protection.” The statement highlights Merck’s focus on population‑specific vaccine development and its broader strategy to build a robust, diversified portfolio.
The inclusion is expected to strengthen Merck’s vaccine division’s financial outlook, providing a predictable revenue stream that complements the company’s broader efforts to balance its portfolio and mitigate the impact of Keytrudo’s upcoming patent expirations. The move also positions Merck to capitalize on growing public‑health initiatives that favor higher‑valent conjugate vaccines, reinforcing its competitive stance in the global pneumococcal market.
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