European regulators have granted approval for the first-ever vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the region. The virus is responsible for causing numerous hospitalizations and fatalities each year. Developed by British pharmaceutical company GSK (GSK.L), the vaccine, named Arexvy, aims to safeguard individuals aged 60 and above.
While RSV commonly manifests as cold-like symptoms, it poses a particular risk to both toddlers and the elderly, often leading to pneumonia. Despite the virus being discovered back in 1956, attempts to create an effective vaccine had been hindered by the virus’s complex molecular structure and safety concerns associated with previous trials.
Following a recent endorsement from the European Medicines Agency, the European Commission granted approval for Arexvy on Wednesday. The United States health regulator had already given the green light to the vaccine about a month earlier. GSK announced that the availability of the vaccine in Europe will be contingent upon national recommendations and reimbursement discussions. However, the company anticipates the initial launch of the vaccine this autumn, ahead of the 2023/2024 RSV season. It is important to note that a widespread rollout in Europe is not expected this year.
In Europe alone, RSV causes over 270,000 hospitalizations and approximately 20,000 in-hospital deaths among adults aged 60 and above annually.
