The Arexvy respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which is already approved for adults 60 and up, is now indicated for use in people ages 50 to 59 years old thanks to recent Food and Drug Administration approval.
GSK, which makes the vaccine, said in a press release that the move will expand the use of the shot to more than 13 million Americans.
“When it comes to the risks associated with RSV, age is just a number, an important number, but not the only factor to consider,” Ann R. Falsey, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, said in a press release dated June 7. “Many adults in this age group have underlying health conditions that place them at increased risk for serious illness with RSV infection compared with those without these conditions.”
Recent studies have shown RSV is the culprit behind approximately 42,000 annual hospitalizations in adults aged 50 to 59, especially in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure and diabetes.
“Today’s approval reflects the importance of broadening the benefits of RSV immunization to adults aged 50-59 who are at increased risk,” Tony Wood, PhD, GSK’s chief scientific officer, also said in the statement. “For those with underlying medical conditions, RSV can have serious consequences.”
In the coming months, clinical trials are expected to test the immunogenicity and safety of the vaccine in adults aged 18 to 49 at increased risk for severe illness and adults aged 18 and older with weakened immune systems.
In May 2023, the FDA approved the RSV vaccine made by GSK in order to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) that is a result of RSV in people 60 years old and up. Earlier this month, the FDA approved the messenger RNA-based (mRNA) vaccine made by Moderna against RSV for people ages 60 and older. The vaccine is known as mRESVIA, and was approved under an FDA breakthrough therapy designation.
