Let’s look at the RSV vaccine landscape! As is common in science, there are many different approaches being taken to try and find the most effective!
Arexvy, out of GSK, and Abrysvo, out of Pfizer, are the first two FDA approved RSV vaccines and are for adults over 60! As described in the post, they are protein-based vaccines delivering the F-protein, a surface protein on RSV that is considered to be the best antigen target.
Pfizer is also testing its vaccine in pregnant women with the hopes of conferring immunity to newborns through the placenta and breast milk. While the data is promising, no decision has been made on approval in this population yet.
Moderna is trialing mRNA-1345 in both adults and children and delivers the genetic code to produce the F-protein.
The recombinant virus vaccine out of Bavarian Nordic is in clinical development and is based on their platform vaccine technology using the vaccinia virus.
Finally, Codagenix is creating a weakened (attenuated/inactive) version of the RSV virus to be used for conferring immunity! It is currently being evaluated in children that are 5 years old and being given intranasally!
Given that RSV affects a significant number of children each year, it will be incredible when a vaccine is available for younger age groups.