77,000 Additional RSV Passive Immunization Doses Released for Infants

According to IDSE News, the recently approved half-life monoclonal antibody offering passive immunization to prevent lower respiratory tract infections in infants caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has increased availability.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends passive immunization to protect infants under eight months and some older babies at increased risk of severe illness caused by RSV. 

“CDC and FDA are committed to expanding access to this important immunization so that more parents have peace of mind during the winter virus season,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, CDC’s principal deputy director, in a press release.

On November 16, 2023, the CDC released more than 77,000 additional 100-mg doses of Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab-alip) to physicians and hospitals through the Federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program and commercial channels.

The co-producer of Beyfortus, Sanofi, stated in October 2023 that demand for this RSV product had been higher than anticipated.

On October 23, 2023, the CDC published a Health Alert Network Health Advisory to provide options for clinicians in the context of a limited supply of Betforus. The CDC previously announced it had transitioned to an allocation-based system for distributing Beyfortus.

As of October 2023, Sanofi's price for Beyfortus through the VFC program is $395.00 for 100mg and $395.00 for 50mg through March 2024.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot recently informed Reuters, "We've had to deliver what is needed (for the U.S.), and next year, the volume suddenly will go up quite a bit."

Globally, the 2023 RSV season's activity was generally low or decreasing except in some Europe, Central America, Caribbean countries, and the United States as of mid-November 2023.

In the U.S., there are variations in the timing of RSV outbreaks between regions and between communities in the same area, says the CDC.

Note: news article updated on Nov. 18, 2023, to include CDC quote.