Moderna ’ s mRNA-Based RSV Vaccine Just Passed a Major Test

Moderna has become a well-known name thanks to its highly effective COVID-19 vaccine, based on mRNA technology. But even before the pandemic hit, the company was developing an mRNA-based vaccine against another scourge, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which primarily affects infants and the elderly. In a release issued on Jan. 17, the Massachusetts-based company said an early look at data from the late-stage trial of its RSV vaccine shows that the shot is effective. Among 37,000 people over age 60 in 22 countries, the vaccine was 83.7% effective in reducing moderate RSV illness, defined as two or more symptoms of the disease, and 82.4% effective in reducing more severe illness encompassing three or more symptoms compared to those receiving placebo. As RSV progresses, people move from cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory distress and damage, including wheezing, difficulty breathing, and inflammation of the lungs. The trial is ongoing, but based on the positive results, Moderna plans to file a request for approval of the vaccine from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this year. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] In doing so, Moderna would join Pfizer, which submitted a request for expedited review of its mRNA version of an RSV vaccine for older adults last December. The company reported results similar to Moderna’s—it was 86% effective in reducing severe respiratory illness. Pfizer is also developing a RSV vaccine for pregnant women, who w...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized COVID-19 healthscienceclimate Technology Source Type: news