GlaxoSmithKline (GSK; NYSE: GSK), a UK-based pharmaceutical giant, has announced that its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Arexvy, is now available at all major pharmacies in the US. The vaccine received approval in the country earlier this year and was subsequently recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for individuals aged 60 and older. The launch comes ahead of the 2023/24 RSV season, which typically begins before the winter months.
Sharing the Elderly Patient Pool with Pfizer
GSK will share the patient pool of 76.5 million elderly people in the US with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), whose RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, also received approval this year. This development comes amidst patent infringement claims by GSK against Pfizer. However, the market is expected to remain relatively open as the Janssen unit of Johnson & Johnson (J&J; NYSE: JNJ) recently terminated its RSV vaccine program, and competitor Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) is not expected to launch its immunization this year.
European Approvals for Arexvy
According to Fineline Info & Tech data, Arexvy has also received approvals in the UK and from the European Commission (EC), expanding its availability beyond the US market. This broadens the reach of GSK’s RSV vaccine and positions it to serve a larger patient population across Europe.-Fineline Info & Tech
