Understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Strategies

Updated Filling Line Is Expected to Improve Supply of Nirsevimab for 2024-2025 Season

Sanofi and AstraZeneca are preparing a new filling line for nirsevimab-alip (Beyfortus) ahead of this year’s respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. This new fill line aims to resolve supply issues that occurred during the last season. The companies plan to ensure sufficient coverage for all eligible infants in the US. Eligible groups include babies under 8 months born to mothers who did not receive a maternal vaccine and children aged 8 to 19 months at increased risk for severe RSV.

“This upcoming season, we look forward to Beyfortus offering its demonstrated real-world protection to as many infants as possible,” stated Thomas Grenier, Sanofi’s head of vaccines for North America.

Shipments for 50-mg and 100-mg doses of nirsevimab-alip are set for distribution through private healthcare providers and the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program. Due to limited supply during the 2023-2024 RSV season, the CDC advised prioritizing the 100-mg dose for infants at the greatest risk for severe RSV. With the new filling line, healthcare providers should avoid similar challenges this year. The companies express confidence that the added capacity will support vaccination efforts for infants born during and after the RSV season.

Nirsevimab Displays 82% Reduction in Infant RSV Hospitalization During 2023-2024 Season

Research published in The Lancet shows that nirsevimab (Beyfortus) led to an 82% reduction in infant hospitalizations due to RSV during the 2023-2024 season compared to those who received no intervention. This study, part of the NIRSE-GAL trial conducted in Galicia, Spain, highlights the vaccine’s effectiveness in real-world situations from multiple infant immunization programs in the US, Spain, and France.

For the upcoming RSV season, nirsevimab is expected to provide similar protection for infants at risk of severe RSV. This includes healthy term infants, preterm infants, and those with conditions that make them vulnerable to RSV, extending to children up to 2 years old.

Data Demonstrate Cost Savings Associated With RSV Vaccination

A study from the University of Michigan and the CDC found cost-effective benefits of RSV vaccination for individuals aged 60 years and older. The analysis focused on two FDA-approved RSV vaccines—Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer)—aimed at preventing lower respiratory tract disease.

Results indicated that the societal cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved was $196,842 for Arexvy and $176,557 for Abrysvo for older adults. In those aged 65 years and older, the rates dropped to $162,138 for Arexvy and $146,543 for Abrysvo. However, costs were higher for adults aged 60 to 64 years, at $385,829 for Arexvy and $331,486 for Abrysvo.

These findings suggest that RSV vaccination can be cost-effective among adults 60 years and older. Ongoing research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines.