The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to recommend the use of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, including GSK’s adjuvanted Arexvy, for use in the adult population between the ages of 50 and 59 who are at higher risk for severe disease.
This group includes individuals with asthma, heart disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those in residential care.
People with these conditions are more susceptible to severe outcomes from RSV, which can lead to hospitalisation, pneumonia and even mortality.
The recommendation builds on the committee鈥檚 June 2024 vote for the use of RSV vaccines for people aged 60 to 74 at high risk and all those aged 75 and above.
ACIP’s decision was influenced by the outcomes from a Phase III trial that assessed the safety and immune response of the RSV vaccine in the 50 to 59 age group, particularly in those with high risk for RSV lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD) due to certain medical conditions.
The vaccine has shown efficacy from a single dose in those aged 60 and above.
Once approved, the committee鈥檚 recommendations will guide healthcare providers on the vaccine’s appropriate usage and notify insurance coverage decisions.
GSK chief scientific officer Tony Wood stated: 鈥淲e are pleased with ACIP’s recommendation to expand the benefits of RSV immunisation to more than 13 million adults aged 50 to 59 who are at increased risk for the severe consequences of this virus.
鈥淩SV can have a significant impact on those with underlying medical conditions. We look forward to helping protect more people with RSV vaccination.鈥�
The adjuvanted RSV vaccine combines recombinant RSV glycoprotein F stabilised in the prefusion conformation (RSVPreF3) with the company鈥檚 AS01E adjuvant.
It is already approved to prevent RSV-LRTD in individuals aged 60 and older in 61 countries and regions, including the US, Japan and Europe.
ABL Bio previously entered into a global licensing agreement with GSK to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
