HQ Team
October 9, 2024: GSK Plc.’s single dose respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for a severe form of the disease proved 43.3% effective in the third season compared to 94.1% in the first and 64.2% in the second.
The results include efficacy against different RSV subtypes, in adults with advancing age —70-79 years of age — and those with certain underlying medical conditions, according to a company statement.
Since RSV can exacerbate medical conditions and potentially lead to hospitalisations, cumulative efficacy over three RSV seasons has the potential for significant health impact, it stated.
“It has the potential to offer health care professionals flexibility to administer the vaccine year-round. Over time, revaccination is expected to be required to maintain an optimal level of protection.”
Adults between 60-74
The end-stage study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a single dose of GSK’s Arexvy, an enhanced RSV older adult vaccine over three years compared to a dummy group. It follows an annual revaccination schedule in adults aged 60 years and above.
About 25,000 participants have been enrolled from 17 countries.
The GSK vaccines are recommended as a one-time jab for adults aged 75 and older and for those ages 60 to 74 who are at higher risk of severe illness due to health conditions or other factors in the US.
The respiratory syncytial virus is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages and impacts an estimated 64 million people of all ages globally every year.
Adults can be at increased risk for RSV disease due to comorbidities, immune-compromised status, or advanced age.
Pneumonia, heart failure
RSV can exacerbate multiple conditions, including Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and chronic heart failure, and can lead to severe outcomes, such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, and death.
Each year RSV causes over 465,000 hospitalisations and 33,000 deaths in adults aged 60 and older in high-income countries.
“We are excited by these new data which show that a single dose of Arexvy could help protect millions of older adults at risk of RSV disease over three seasons to benefit public health. This is the only RSV vaccine with efficacy and safety data available through three full seasons,” said Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, of GSK.
“We will continue to provide data on longer-term follow-up to help recommending bodies determine future revaccination schedules,” he said.
Two other companies, Pfizer and Moderna got approval for their respiratory syncytial virus vaccines in the US.
