Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Pathogenesis
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is often thoght of as a childhood illness, but it poses a meaningful and often underestimated threat to older adults.
- Older adults are notably vulnerable due to age-related decline in immune function and the presence of underlying health conditions such as heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
- On May 3, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Arexvy, a recombinant subunit vaccine developed by GSK, for the prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease...
RSV Vaccine approved for Older Adults: A Breakthrough in Respiratory Protection
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Understanding RSV and Why It’s a Threat to Seniors
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is often thoght of as a childhood illness, but it poses a meaningful and often underestimated threat to older adults. Before the development of vaccines, RSV was responsible for approximately 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths among adults 65 years and older annually in the United States. The virus causes inflammation of the lungs and airways, leading to symptoms that can mimic a common cold, but can quickly escalate to more serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Older adults are notably vulnerable due to age-related decline in immune function and the presence of underlying health conditions such as heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).These conditions can be exacerbated by an RSV infection, leading to increased hospitalizations, longer recovery times, and a higher risk of mortality.
The landmark Approval of Arexvy
On May 3, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Arexvy, a recombinant subunit vaccine developed by GSK, for the prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in adults aged 60 years and older. This approval marks a pivotal moment in public health, offering a proactive defense against a virus that has long been a source of concern for the aging population.
The decision was based on data from the Phase 3 RSV vaccine trial, published in the new England Journal of Medicine on November 20,2025. The trial, involving nearly 25,000 participants, demonstrated an overall vaccine efficacy of 82.6% against LRTD. Specifically, the vaccine showed 94.1% efficacy against severe LRTD, defined as illness requiring three or more symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
The trial also revealed a safety profile consistent with other vaccines. The most common adverse events reported were local reactions at the injection site, such as pain, redness, and swelling, and systemic reactions like fatigue, muscle pain, and headache. Serious adverse events were rare and not definitively linked to the vaccine.
How Does the Arexvy Vaccine Work?
Arexvy is a recombinant subunit vaccine, meaning it doesn’t contain a live virus. Instead, it uses a stabilized form of the RSV fusion protein (RSV F protein) to trigger an immune response.This protein is crucial for the virus to enter and infect cells. By exposing the body to this protein, the vaccine prompts the immune system to produce antibodies that will recognize and neutralize the virus if encountered in the future.
The stabilized F protein is particularly critically important as RSV is known to mutate rapidly. Stabilizing the protein helps ensure that the antibodies produced by the vaccine remain effective against a wide range of RSV strains.
What to Expect After Vaccination
The Arexvy vaccine is