Taking on RSV in the elderly

Novavax Inc. is developing a prophylactic vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus that produces an antibody response to the same epitope of the pathogen targeted by the only approved therapy for the disease. Phase II data show the vaccine is immunogenic and prevents RSV infections in elderly subjects, making it the first study to show efficacy with active RSV immunization.

RSV can cause upper respiratory infections like colds, as well as lower respiratory tract infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In some infants and the elderly, infections can lead to hospitalization and death. ...