GSK says its RSV vaccine for older adults gives long-term protection

GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday said its vaccine to guard adults ages 60 and older from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, remained effective across two seasons of the disease.

A single dose of the shot was 67.2% effective in stopping lower respiratory tract illness over two RSV seasons, in keeping with latest results from a phase three clinical trial. That is compared with 82% after one viral season, which usually lasts from October to March within the Northern Hemisphere. 

The shot was also 78.8% effective against severe RSV disease after two seasons, compared with 94% after one season. Severe disease refers to cases that prevent normal, day by day activities.

The London-based company said high efficacy was similarly maintained in older adults with underlying conditions, who’re most prone to severe RSV.

GSK also evaluated the effectiveness of an annual vaccination schedule, which involves administering a second dose of its shot after a yr. The corporate said the cumulative efficacy of two doses was 67.1%, “suggesting revaccination after 12 months doesn’t appear to confer additional profit for the general population.” 

Meaning the vaccine may only have to be administered every other yr, which could give GSK an edge over RSV shot rivals reminiscent of Pfizer and make it easier for seniors to guard themselves against the virus.

RSV normally causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Annually the virus kills between 6,000 and 10,000 seniors in addition to just a few hundred children younger than 5, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

GSK presented the outcomes to an advisory committee of the CDC on Wednesday. The committee will form a advice on when and the way often the corporate’s RSV shot — and a vaccine from rival Pfizer —  ought to be administered within the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration approved GSK’s vaccine in May, making it the world’s first authorized shot against RSV. 

Pfizer’s RSV shot became the second to win approval shortly after. The corporate also presented latest clinical trial data on its vaccine Wednesday. 

That shot was roughly 49% effective against lower respiratory tract illness with two or more symptoms after 18 months, which is a steep decline from the shot’s 66.7% efficacy at one yr. 

Neither drugmaker has established a listing price for its vaccine.