FDA Approves Moderna’s RSV Vaccine for Seniors, the Company’s Second-Ever Product
The Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to Moderna’s RSV vaccine for older adults, marking the company’s second product to hit the U.S. market. This approval comes as Moderna seeks to diversify its revenue streams with the decline in demand for its Covid jab.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospitalizations among seniors each year. Moderna’s shot, known as mRESVIA, is the first messenger RNA vaccine to be approved for a disease other than Covid. It is also the only RSV vaccine available in a pre-filled syringe, simplifying the administration process.
An advisory panel to the CDC is set to vote on recommendations for the use of Moderna’s vaccine in June, with the company expecting positive feedback. This would pit Moderna against competitors like GSK and Pfizer, who launched their own RSV shots in the fall of last year.
Moderna’s mRNA platform has been hailed for its versatility in addressing various diseases beyond Covid, including cancer and norovirus. The company’s robust product pipeline includes a combination shot for Covid and the flu, a stand-alone flu vaccine, and personalized cancer vaccines in collaboration with Merck.
Despite initial concerns over the efficacy of Moderna’s RSV vaccine compared to competitors, the company has emphasized the unique aspects of its trial and the safety profile of the shot. With a promising outlook for future product launches, Moderna aims to return to sales growth by 2025 and break even by 2026.
Investors are optimistic about the potential of Moderna’s mRNA technology, with the company’s shares seeing a significant increase this year. As Moderna continues to innovate in the field of messenger RNA therapeutics, the approval of mRESVIA serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to addressing global public health threats.
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