GSK plc (LON/NYSE:GSK) has announced that a new drug application for its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) older adult vaccine candidate has been accepted for review by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). The proposed indication is for adults aged 60 years and above to prevent lower respiratory tract diseases (LRTD) caused by RSV.
· Regulatory submission based on positive pivotal phase III data showing vaccine efficacy against respiratory syncytial virus-lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 years and above with a favourable safety profile
· Further announcements on regulatory progress in the US and EU are expected in Q4 2022
The filing is based on positive data from a prespecified interim analysis of the pivotal AReSVi-006 (Adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus) phase III trial which showed high overall vaccine efficacy against RSV-LRTD in adults aged 60 years and above, with a favourable safety profile. Consistent high vaccine efficacy was observed against LRTD in severe disease, adults aged 70-79 years, adults with underlying comorbidities and across RSV A and B strains.
Further announcements on regulatory progress in the US and EU are anticipated before the end of 2022. GSK’s RSV older adult vaccine candidate contains a recombinant subunit prefusion RSV F glycoprotein antigen (RSVPreF3) combined with GSK’s proprietary AS01E adjuvant. There are currently no RSV vaccines for adults approved anywhere in the world.
About the AReSVi-006 trial
The AReSVi-006 (Adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus) phase III trial is a randomised, placebo-controlled, observer-blind, multi-country trial to demonstrate the efficacy of a single dose of GSK’s adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA investigational vaccine in adults aged 60 years and above. Approximately 25,000 participants were enrolled from 17 countries.
About respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults
RSV is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. It is one of the major remaining infectious diseases for which there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for adults. Older adults are at high risk for severe disease due to age-related decline in immunity and underlying conditions. RSV can exacerbate conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and chronic heart failure and can lead to severe outcomes, such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, and death. Each year, RSV causes over 420,000 hospitalisations and 29,000 deaths in adults in industrialised countries, including approximately 57,000 and 4,000, respectively in Japan. Adults with underlying conditions are more likely to seek medical advice and have higher hospitalisation rates than adults without these conditions.
