Pfizer's Abrysvo RSV Vaccine Shows Strong and Lasting Protection for Older Adults

Pfizer's vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), known as Abrysvo, has demonstrated strong and lasting protection for older adults, according to results from a late-stage clinical trial spanning two full RSV seasons. The study found that the efficacy of Pfizer's RSV vaccine slightly declined after two seasons but still provided durable protection for individuals aged 60 and above. In the trial, a single dose of Pfizer's vaccine was reported to be 77.8% effective against severe lower respiratory tract illness with three or more symptoms after the second season. Additionally, the vaccine showed approximately 55.7% effectiveness against less severe forms of the condition with two or more symptoms after the second season. Importantly, the vaccine exhibited consistent efficacy against the major subtypes of RSV (RSV A and RSV B) after the second season, being 80% or more effective against each type in patients with severe lower respiratory tract illness. Notably, no new adverse events were reported by patients who received the vaccine over the two seasons. As experts evaluate the data, an advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to consider whether seniors should receive RSV shots annually or every other year, with a final recommendation anticipated in June. Analysts are speculating on the potential implications of these findings for the broader pharmaceutical landscape. There is anticipation that an annual vaccination recommendation could prove advantageous for Moderna's RSV jab, while a biennial recommendation might impact its competitive positioning. Meanwhile, GlaxoSmithKline's RSV vaccine demonstrated a cumulative efficacy of 67.2% against lower respiratory tract illness over two RSV seasons. RSV is a significant public health concern, causing thousands of deaths and hospitalizations among older adults in the US annually, according to the CDC. GSK's RSV vaccine generated substantial sales last year, underlining the market potential in this space. In comparison, Pfizer's RSV shot recorded solid revenue in 2023. Beyond its RSV vaccine development, Pfizer is strategically pivoting towards cancer drugs to mitigate recent losses and drive growth. The company aims to leverage its acquisition of Seagen to bolster its oncology drug pipeline and aims to introduce at least eight blockbuster medicines by 2030. Pfizer is focusing on biologic drugs as a key revenue driver, with plans to increase the proportion of these treatments in its pipeline significantly by 2030. Furthermore, Pfizer's oncology unit is prioritizing four main types of cancer – breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, thoracic cancer, and hematology-oncology. While anticipating sales declines from drugs like Ibrance due to upcoming patent expirations, Pfizer is actively developing potential growth drivers within its oncology portfolio. The company is also exploring treatments for conditions such as sickle cell disease, cancer cachexia, and obesity, including an oral treatment for sickle cell disease and a weight loss pill. In addition to its focus on oncology and specialty therapeutics, Pfizer is expanding its vaccine portfolio to encompass bacterial and viral shots. The company is conducting research on combination vaccines targeting respiratory viruses and is planning to release an updated version of its Covid vaccine to address new viral strains. Pfizer is also considering the development of next-generation versions with extended protection to meet evolving global health needs. As Pfizer continues to make strides in both preventive and therapeutic realms, its diversified approach towards addressing prevalent health challenges positions the company at the forefront of innovation and healthcare advancement.