MRNA Vaccine Approved in Switzerland
Moderna’s RSV Vaccine, Mresvia, Approved in Switzerland for Older Adults
Table of Contents
- Moderna’s RSV Vaccine, Mresvia, Approved in Switzerland for Older Adults
- Mresvia: Your Guide to Moderna’s RSV Vaccine for Older Adults
Swissmedic, teh Swiss regulatory agency for therapeutic products, has granted approval to Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, Mresvia, for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. The vaccine aims to protect against severe lower respiratory tract infections and pneumonia caused by RSV.
Mresvia is the latest vaccine approved in Switzerland to combat RSV.
RSV: A Threat Beyond Infancy
RSV is a common,highly contagious,seasonal virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. While infants are especially vulnerable,older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems also face meaningful risks,including severe illness and hospitalization. During winter months, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalizations.
“Even older people and patients with immune deficiency can develop a serious course of illness and pneumonia, which leads to hospitalization more frequently enough,” said Dr. Stefan kuster, chief physician of infectiology at st.Gallen cantonal hospital.
In the European Union, RSV leads to approximately 160,000 hospitalizations annually among adults, with 92% of these cases occurring in those aged 65 and older. Switzerland sees between 3,000 and 6,000 RSV-related hospital admissions each year, according to recent data.
Mresvia: An mRNA Vaccine for Adults
Mresvia is the frist mRNA vaccine approved in Switzerland and the EU for a disease other than COVID-19. The vaccine utilizes an mRNA sequence that codes for a protein found on the surface of the RSV virus.
The vaccine prompts the body to produce neutralizing antibodies, which combat the virus’s ability to penetrate host cells, thus preventing infection.
Distinction from Infant Vaccine Trials
The Mresvia vaccine should not be confused with earlier trials of the same vaccine (MRNA-1345) in infants. While a lower dose of the Moderna vaccine was explored for infant use, clinical studies were halted during Phase 1 due to observed side effects.
Moderna reports positive results from Phase 3 trials of Mresvia, involving approximately 37,000 adults aged 60 and over across 22 countries. The study found no serious side effects in this population.
Alternative RSV Vaccines and Preventative Measures
Since the summer of 2024, two protein-based RSV vaccines, Pfizer’s Abrysvo and GSK’s Arexvy, have also gained approval for use in older adults. Abrysvo is additionally approved for pregnant women to protect their newborns.
The Federal Office of Public Health and the Ekif Vaccination Commission recommend both Abrysvo and Arexvy for adults aged 75 and over, as well as for individuals aged 60 and over who are at increased risk of complications from RSV.
Abrysvo is recommended for pregnant women aged 18 and over during the last trimester, specifically from October to February, if their due date falls before the end of March.
According to Kuster, the cost coverage for RSV vaccinations by mandatory health insurance is still under review.
Infant protection: Beyfortus
Mresvia is not approved for infants. Instead, a preventative measure called nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus, is available. This active ingredient, administered as an injection within the first week of life, provides immediate protection against RSV.
This preventative measure is widely used in Swiss children’s hospitals. A child infectiologist noted earlier this year that beyfortus rarely causes side effects, with occasional redness at the injection site being the primary reaction. Beyfortus provides monoclonal antibodies directly to the infant, offering immediate protection without requiring the body to build immunity through vaccination.
Mresvia: Your Guide to Moderna’s RSV Vaccine for Older Adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can pose a meaningful health risk, especially for older adults. Moderna’s Mresvia vaccine has been approved in Switzerland to combat this threat. This complete guide answers your key questions about Mresvia and RSV prevention.
Getty Images Mresvia is the latest vaccine approved in Switzerland to combat RSV.
What is RSV and Why is it a Concern for Older Adults?
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common, highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. While it’s well-known for causing problems in infants,it can be especially dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
What are the Risks of RSV for older Adults?
RSV can lead to serious complications, including:
- Severe lower respiratory tract infections
- Pneumonia
- Hospitalization (RSV is a leading cause of hospitalizations during winter months)
According to the provided data, in the European Union, RSV leads to approximately 160,000 hospitalizations annually among adults, with 92% of these cases occurring in those aged 65 and older. Switzerland sees between 3,000 and 6,000 RSV-related hospital admissions each year.
What is Mresvia and How Does it Work?
Mresvia is Moderna’s mRNA vaccine designed specifically to protect older adults from severe RSV infection. it represents a significant step forward in preventing RSV-related illnesses.
How Does Mresvia Protect Against RSV?
Mresvia is the first mRNA vaccine approved in Switzerland and the EU for a disease other than COVID-19. The vaccine works by:
- using an mRNA sequence: This codes for a protein found on the surface of the RSV virus.
- stimulating antibody production: The vaccine prompts the body to create neutralizing antibodies.
- Preventing infection: These antibodies combat the virus’s ability to penetrate host cells, helping to prevent infection and reduce the severity of illness.
Who is Eligible for the Mresvia Vaccine?
Swissmedic has approved Mresvia for use in older adults.As of the provided information, specifics regarding exact age eligibility and recommendations are not available in detail.Consult with your healthcare provider to understand if you qualify for the vaccine.
How Does Mresvia Compare to Other RSV Vaccines?
Several RSV vaccines are now available for older adults. Here’s a brief comparison based on the provided information:
| Vaccine | Type | Approved for |
|---|---|---|
| Mresvia (Moderna) | mRNA | Older Adults (60+) |
| Abrysvo (Pfizer) | Protein-based | Older Adults (75+), Pregnant Women |
| Arexvy (GSK) | Protein-based | Older Adults (75+) |
What About RSV Prevention for Infants?
Mresvia is not approved for use in infants. A preventative measure called nirsevimab,marketed as Beyfortus,is available. This injection provides immediate protection against RSV by delivering monoclonal antibodies directly to the infant.
How does Beyfortus work?
Beyfortus offers immediate protection without requiring the body to build immunity. Administered as an injection within the first week of life. It provides:
- Immediate protection: Provides monoclonal antibodies directly to the infant.
- Reduced side effects: Rarely causes side effects, with occasional redness at the injection site being the primary reaction.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated Against RSV?
Consult with your healthcare provider or local pharmacies to find out where Mresvia and other approved RSV vaccines are available. They can provide the most up-to-date information and help you determine which vaccine is right for you.
additional Information
The Federal Office of Public Health and the Ekif Vaccination Commission recommend both Abrysvo and Arexvy for adults aged 75 and over, as well as for individuals aged 60 and over who are at increased risk of complications from RSV. Abrysvo is recommended for pregnant women aged 18 and over during the last trimester, specifically from October to February, if thier due date falls before the end of March.
According to Kuster, the cost coverage for RSV vaccinations by mandatory health insurance is still under review.