FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA RSV vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to Moderna’s RSV mRNA vaccine for adults over the age of 60. This marks the second mRNA vaccine approval for a disease, with two other RSV vaccines already approved for the same age group. Moderna’s mRESVIA now joins the fight against RSV.

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel expressed his excitement about the FDA approval, highlighting the strength and versatility of the mRNA platform. He stated, “mRESVIA protects older adults from the severe outcomes of RSV infection, and it is the only RSV vaccine available in a pre-filled syringe designed for ease of administration.”

The FDA approval was based on a multinational study involving 37,000 adults over 60 in 22 countries. The study revealed that mRESVIA had an efficacy rate of 83.7% against RSV lower respiratory tract disease, surpassing the efficacy rates of other approved RSV vaccines.

Common side effects reported from mRESVIA include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and joint stiffness.

This approval marks a significant advancement in the fight against RSV, providing older adults with a new tool to protect themselves against this respiratory illness.