FDA approves 1st RSV drug for babies, toddlers

The U.S. now has an approved pediatric drug to prevent respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract disease, which infects nearly every child before they turn 2 years old.

Advertisement

On July 17, the FDA approved AstraZeneca’s pediatric RSV drug, Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip), for children 24 months and younger. Most RSV infections are mild and cold-like, and one to two out of every 100 infants younger than 6 months will require hospitalization, according to the CDC. 

During the 2022-’23 RSV season, which began earlier than normal and contributed to a tripledemic alongside COVID-19 and influenza, there were no approved treatments for the virus that hospitalizes up to 160,000 older adults and 80,000 young children annually. Now, the U.S. will have at least three RSV drugs — one for infants and two for adults 60 and older, the two most vulnerable populations for contracting and dying from RSV infections. 

Every year, the U.S. records about 6,000 to 10,000 deaths among adults 65 years and older, and 100 to 300 deaths in children younger than 5 years old because of RSV, according to the CDC.

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Pharmacy

Advertisement

Comments are closed.