Phase 3 Data Supports FDA Approval for Pfizer Inc. (PFE)'s 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 12 Cheap Healthcare Stocks to Buy Now. Pfizer Inc. is one of them.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), a global pharmaceutical leader, continues to advance innovative medicines and vaccines across oncology, immunology, rare diseases, and more. The company gained worldwide recognition for its COVID-19 vaccine developed with BioNTech, a major contributor to pandemic response efforts.

A key recent development is the positive Phase 3 topline data for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)’s LP.8.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine 2025-2026 formula, announced on September 7, 2025. The updated vaccine demonstrated at least a four-fold increase in neutralizing antibody titers in adults aged 65+ and high-risk adults aged 18–64. This data supports the FDA approval of the new formulation, ensuring continued efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and reflecting Pfizer’s commitment to maintaining leadership in COVID-19 vaccine innovation.

Beyond vaccines, PFE is advancing its oncology portfolio. In August 2025, PADCEV combined with KEYTRUDA showed improved survival rates for bladder cancer patients, while XTANDI with leuprolide improved outcomes in high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer. These advances highlight the company’s focus on high-need cancer indications, positioning Pfizer among cheap healthcare stocks that continue to deliver strong innovation alongside affordability.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is also progressing in hematology with HYMPAVZI, a weekly subcutaneous treatment for hemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors, which significantly reduced bleeding episodes compared to on-demand therapy.

Strategically, PFE is pursuing $4.5 billion in cost savings by the end of 2025, with reinvestment into R&D to sustain innovation amid patent expirations for products like Eliquis. Global licensing agreements, such as the July 2025 deal with 3SBio, further expand market reach.

While we acknowledge the potential of PFE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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Disclosure. None.