GSK's Arexvy becomes first RSV vaccine approved in EU

The European Commission has authorized Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted), developed by UK pharma major GSK (LSE: GSK), for active immunization for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults 60 years of age and older.

This is the first time an RSV vaccine for older adults has been granted European Marketing Authorization. GSK noted that first launches of the vaccine are planned ahead of the 2023/2024 RSV season which typically starts in the autumn.

Arexvy was the world’s first RSV vaccine to be approved for older adults when, in May 2023, it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This was quickly followed by US pharma giant Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) gaining FDA clearance for its RSV vaccine Abrysvo.