Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) released results from the STRIDE-3 Phase 3 trial evaluating V116, the company's investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

The trial evaluated the immunogenicity, tolerability, and safety of V116 compared to Pfizer Inc's (NYSE:PFE) Prevnar 20 (PCV20) in adults who had not previously received a pneumococcal vaccine.

In adults 50 years of age and older (Cohort 1), V116 elicited non-inferior immune responses compared to PCV20 for all 10 serotypes common to both vaccines as measured by serotype-specific opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) geometric mean titers (GMTs) at Day 30.

In adults 18 to 49 (Cohort 2), V116 elicited non-inferior immune responses (immunobridged) compared to adults 50 to 64, as assessed by serotype-specific OPA GMTs 30 days post-vaccination.

Across both cohorts, V116 had a safety profile comparable to PCV20.

The V116 Phase 3 clinical development program comprises eight trials (n=8,830) investigating the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of V116 in various adult populations.

V116 utilizes the CRM197 vaccine carrier protein, produced using Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) patent-protected Pelican Expression Technology platform. If approved, Ligand is entitled to a royalty on worldwide net sales.

In July, Merck announced topline results from two Phase 3 trials evaluating V116 in vaccine-naïve and previously vaccinated individuals.

Price Action: MRK shares are down 0.84% at $100.58 on the last check Tuesday.