J&J backs out of RSV vaccine race with rivals Pfizer and GSK

Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday said it’s ducking out of the vaccine race for the respiratory syncytial virus, referred to as RSV, weeks after competitors Pfizer and GSK inched closer to launching the world’s first shot against the deadly virus. 

J&J will stop working on its investigational RSV adult vaccine program and discontinue a pivotal phase three trial testing the shot, the corporate announced in a press release. The Latest Brunswick, Latest Jersey-based health-care giant pinned its decision on a portfolio review “to prioritize essentially the most transformational assets for ongoing investment.” 

“By periodically refocusing our portfolio, Janssen ensures that we’re deeply invested in products which have the facility to remodel patients’ lives,” said Dr. Bill Hait, J&J’s executive vice chairman, in the discharge. “We remain focused on advancing our differentiated pipeline, improving the lives of thousands and thousands of patients and developing latest modalities in areas with the best unmet medical need.” Janssen is J&J’s pharmaceutical division.

J&J shares were relatively flat following the announcement.

Dr. Vamil Divan, Guggenheim’s senior biopharmaceuticals analyst, wrote in a note Wednesday that the announcement was a “disappointment but not an entire surprise.” The firm is maintaining a neutral rating on J&J, he added.

“Today’s news doesn’t change our overall view on JNJ shares, but we imagine it does increase the pressure somewhat on the corporate needing to deliver positive updates from other key pharma assets later this 12 months,” Divan wrote.

Respiratory syncytial virus is a standard virus that sometimes causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most individuals recuperate in every week or two, but older adults and infants can experience more serious infections that may result in hospitalization or death. 

The virus kills 6,000 to 10,000 seniors and just a few hundred children younger than 5 every year. RSV cases spiked unexpectedly within the U.S. this past winter, overwhelming kid’s hospitals across the nation. Since then, the race to create the world’s first RSV vaccine has garnered more attention than ever. 

J&J first launched its phase three trial in September 2021, enrolling roughly 23,000 adults ages 60 and older. A phase two trial on the corporate’s RSV shot found it provided 80% protection against severe RSV infections. 

But the corporate still lagged behind rivals Pfizer and GSK, each of which made major strides toward U.S. approval of their shots within the last month.

Advisors to the FDA really helpful shots from each drugmakers despite the risks of a rare neurological disorder. An FDA review of Pfizer’s shot found it was about 86% protective against lower respiratory tract illness with three or more symptoms, while an identical review of GSK’s vaccine found it was 83% effective. 

Drugmaker Moderna also has its own potential RSV shot, which performed well in clinical trials.