GSK Arexvy Vaccine Approved To Protect Older Adults From RSV Disease in Malaysia

Another exciting launch from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd(GSK). Respiratory syncytial virus is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. Did you know that adults age 60 and over especially those with underlying co-morbidities are at high risk of developing severe infections from RSV? 

GSK introduced its Arexvy (MAL24086007ARZ) approved to protect adults aged 60 and above from RSV disease in Malaysia. The approval is based on positive data from a phase III trial, where the vaccine demonstrated high overall vaccine efficacy of 82.6% against LRTD. 94.6% efficacy was observed against RSV-LRTD in adults with co-morbidities. Across multiple studies, the vaccine was generally well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. Some adverse events observed were injection site pain, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. These were typically mild to moderate and lasting within a few days after vaccination. 

Whilst, RSV is a disease of all ages, in 2019, the impact of RSV in adults aged 60 years and older is significant, resulting in over 470,000 hospitalisations and 33,000 deaths in high-income countries. Adults with underlying co-morbidities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, and chronic heart failure (CHF) are at high risk for severe RSV. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an altered pattern of seasonal infections due to COVID-19 protection measures. iv Specifically in Malaysia, RSV infections occur all year round, with notable peaks typically occurring between July to August, as well as October to December. 

Professor Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, Deputy Director & Consultant, Respiratory Physician Hospital Al Sultan Abdullah Universiti Teknologi MARA (HASA UiTM) shared: “RSV can lead to severe outcomes especially among older adults with co-morbidities such as Asthma, COPD and chronic heart failure. They also have increased risk of hospitalization following the RSV infection. It is important for us to protect patients aged 60 and above with co-morbidities. In Malaysia, according to the 2023 National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS), more than half a million adults live with four co-morbidities. Of these, 15.6% of the adult population have Diabetes. vi It is time we protect our older adults with underlying health conditions from RSV infection to enable them to lead a good quality of life especially in their golden age. By prioritizing the well-being of older adults, we can collectively foster a healthier and more vibrant society, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all generations.” 

Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK) Malaysia and Brunei said: “Today’s announcement is a major step forward from a public health perspective as it allows us to deliver an RSV vaccine in Malaysia to protect older adults. We look forward to working with various stakeholders to ensure those at high risk of severe RSV infection can access it.”

Prevention is better than cure! Ensure your family members get vaccinated.