Moderna Inc. has reported significant progress in its efforts to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a notorious lower respiratory tract illness. According to phase 3 study data recently published in the esteemed New England Journal of Medicine, Moderna’s investigational vaccine has shown an impressive efficacy rate of 84% against this virus-induced illness.
The vaccine utilizes the same mRNA technology utilized in Moderna’s groundbreaking COVID shots. The study focused on adults aged 60 years and older, revealing no apparent safety concerns associated with the vaccine. This breakthrough marks a crucial step forward in protecting older adults from the detrimental effects of RSV infection.
RSV infection poses a significant public health risk, with an estimated 60,000 to 160,000 older adults being hospitalized annually in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With Moderna’s vaccine on the horizon, there is hope for a substantial reduction in these alarming statistics.
Moderna aims to launch the vaccine for commercial use in 2024, as stated in a recent company release. Once available, it will compete with Pfizer Inc.’s RSV vaccine Abrysvo and GSK PLC’s Arexvy, both of which have already gained regulatory approval and are on the market.
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by Moderna and other biotech companies, investors have shown confidence in Moderna’s progress. Pre-market trading on Friday resulted in a 1.9% increase in Moderna shares. However, it is important to note that the company’s overall performance this year has been less stellar, experiencing a decline of 52%. In contrast, the S&P 500 has demonstrated impressive growth, surging by 22.9%.
As Moderna continues its mission to revolutionize the vaccine landscape, these positive developments offer hope for addressing not only RSV but also other infectious diseases that continue to cause significant harm worldwide.