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PPV23 alone

Korea University Guro Hospital · FDA-approved active Biologic

PPV23 is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PPV23 is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Used for Prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia) in adults and children ≥2 years, Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia in high-risk populations (elderly, immunocompromised, chronic disease).

At a glance

Generic namePPV23 alone
SponsorKorea University Guro Hospital
Drug classPolysaccharide vaccine
TargetStreptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides (23 serotypes)
ModalityBiologic
Therapeutic areaImmunology / Infectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

PPV23 (Pneumovax 23) contains purified capsular polysaccharides from 23 different serotypes of pneumococcus conjugated to a carrier protein or presented as a polysaccharide mixture. Upon vaccination, these antigens trigger B-cell and T-cell responses, generating opsonizing antibodies that enhance phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing of pneumococcal bacteria, thereby providing protection against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by these serotypes.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results