Biotech
Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
Key Points
- Pfizer’s vaccine, Abrysvo, has shown potential to protect high-risk adults aged 18 to 59 from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness in a late-stage clinical trial.
- There are currently no RSV shots approved worldwide for younger, high-risk adults, despite RSV causing significant hospitalizations and deaths among older Americans and infants each year, with younger adults also at risk due to chronic conditions.
- Pfizer aims to expand the approval of Abrysvo for ages 18 and up, following promising initial safety and efficacy data, intending to compete with GlaxoSmithKline’s RSV vaccine. Pfizer’s vaccine elicited an immune response against RSV A and RSV B in high-risk adults, with similar efficacy observed across age groups, and the company plans to submit final trial results for publication and regulatory review.
Pfizer announced promising results from a late-stage clinical trial indicating that its vaccine, Abrysvo, exhibits the potential to protect high-risk adults aged 18 to 59 against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Currently approved for adults aged 60 and older and expectant mothers, Abrysvo could address a critical gap as there are no RSV shots approved worldwide for younger, high-risk adults. RSV causes significant hospitalizations and deaths among older Americans and infants annually, with younger adults with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions also at risk. Pfizer’s vaccine aims to provide durable immunity and reduce RSV disease rates in this vulnerable population. The data signifies Pfizer’s attempt to gain market share in the RSV segment, following behind GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Pfizer intends to submit the trial data to regulatory agencies for expanded approval of Abrysvo for ages 18 and up, aiming to compete with GSK’s RSV vaccine, Arexvy. The initial safety and efficacy data from Pfizer’s trial demonstrate encouraging results, with participants showing an immune response against both major subtypes of RSV. The vaccine was well-tolerated, with safety data consistent across age groups. As Pfizer seeks to address this unmet medical need, the upcoming decision on GSK’s RSV vaccine for adults aged 50 to 59 by the FDA in June adds to the competitive landscape in this market.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/09/pfizer-rsv-vaccine-may-protect-high-risk-adults-ages-18-59.html
