Canada approves Moderna’s RSV vaccine, first of its kind for older adults
Health Canada has approved the vaccine, mRESVIA, for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease in older adults, the company said, adding that its supply is expected in early 2025.
On Friday, Moderna announced that Health Canada has approved its mRNA-based vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults aged 60 and older. This marks the first such vaccine authorized in the country for RSV. The vaccine, named mRESVIA, is aimed at preventing lower respiratory tract disease in older adults. Moderna expects to begin supplying the vaccine in early 2025.
mRNA vaccines, which work by teaching the body to produce proteins that the immune system can recognize and fight, have shown promise in treating a variety of diseases and are considered potentially more effective than traditional vaccines, according to Moderna.
Earlier this week, GSK also received approval for its RSV vaccine in Canada, targeting adults aged 50 to 59. Both GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo, which are protein-based vaccines, are already approved for use in adults 60 years and older.
Moderna’s RSV vaccine was approved by the United States in May for the same age group and has also been authorized in Europe and Qatar. Moderna, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is looking to generate revenue from new mRNA vaccines, including mRESVIA and an experimental COVID-flu combination shot, to counter the declining demand for COVID-related products.
RSV, a virus that causes cold-like symptoms, is a significant cause of pneumonia in both young children and older adults.
