Biotech
Thursday, February 29th, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
Key Points
- Pfizer’s RSV vaccine demonstrated sustained protection for older adults over two full RSV seasons in an ongoing late-stage clinical trial.
- The vaccine’s efficacy declined slightly after the second season but remained robust, particularly for adults aged 60 and above, who are more vulnerable to severe illness from RSV.
- Initial data indicated that a single dose of Pfizer’s vaccine was 77.8% effective against severe lower respiratory tract illness after the second RSV season, with consistent efficacy against both major subtypes of RSV.
Pfizer’s vaccine, Abrysvo, designed to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has demonstrated sustained effectiveness in protecting older adults over the course of two full RSV seasons, as announced by the company. While the efficacy of the vaccine showed a slight decline compared to its initial levels after one season, it remains robust for individuals aged 60 and above, who are particularly susceptible to severe RSV-related illness. The introduction of Pfizer’s vaccine, alongside GlaxoSmithKline’s RSV shot, has proven lucrative for both companies, generating significant revenue within just six months of market availability. Initial data from the ongoing late-stage clinical trial involving over 37,000 participants in different hemispheres revealed that a single dose of Pfizer’s vaccine was 77.8% effective against severe lower respiratory tract illness with three or more symptoms during the second RSV season. Additionally, it exhibited approximately 55.7% efficacy against a less severe form of the condition with two or more symptoms. Notably, the vaccine maintained consistent efficacy against both major subtypes of RSV (RSV A and RSV B) after the second season, with a specific effectiveness of 80% or higher against each subtype in patients experiencing severe lower respiratory tract illness. Importantly, no new adverse events were reported by patients following the two seasons. The upcoming meeting of an advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assess the potential recommendation for seniors to receive RSV shots annually or biennially, with implications for vaccine manufacturers like Moderna, which aims to launch its own RSV jab this year. Analysts anticipate this decision to influence market dynamics significantly, with potential shifts in market share depending on the recommended vaccination frequency. GlaxoSmithKline’s RSV vaccine, which demonstrated a cumulative efficacy of 67.2% against lower respiratory tract illness over two RSV seasons in older adults, garnered substantial sales last year, as did Pfizer’s shot, which also received approval for expectant mothers. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with RSV in older adults, ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 deaths and up to 160,000 hospitalizations annually according to CDC estimates, the development and efficacy of RSV vaccines represent crucial advancements in public health.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/29/pfizer-rsv-vaccine-protects-older-adults-over-two-seasons.html
