GSK (GSK, Financial) announced that its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine has shown protective benefits for three quarters following vaccination. The cumulative efficacy of the vaccine, adjusted for seasonal factors, stands at 62.9% for the elderly.
This data is crucial for advisory panels, doctors, and patients when deciding which RSV vaccine to choose, as GSK faces strong competition from Pfizer (PFE) and Moderna (MRNA). The vaccine is approved for all adults aged 60 and above in the US and EU, as well as high-risk individuals aged 50 to 59.
GSK is the first company to provide three-quarters efficacy data for its RSV vaccine. The RSV season in the Northern Hemisphere typically runs from October to March, affecting millions annually, and posing significant risks to infants and the elderly in terms of illness and mortality.
GSK's data indicates a gradual decline in vaccine efficacy from 56.1% in the second quarter to 48% in the third quarter. Due to varying definitions of severe RSV disease, direct comparisons of vaccine efficacy are challenging. Nonetheless, Moderna's vaccine has reportedly seen a quicker decline in efficacy compared to its rivals.
The new data from GSK does not specify when revaccination might be necessary. According to GSK's Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood, the company will continue providing long-term follow-up data to assist in deciding future revaccination strategies.
