csraphotography
A group of independent advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday recommended a limited rollout of new vaccines from Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and GSK (GSK) to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in older adults.
The panelists stopped short of endorsing that all seniors should get GSK’s (GSK) and Pfizer’s (PFE) vaccines, branded as Arexvy and Abrysvo, respectively, which the U.S. FDA had cleared last month.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 9 – 5 to recommend that Americans aged 65 years and older “may” get an RSV vaccine after discussing it with their healthcare provider.
The group voted 13 – 0 to endorse the same policy for those aged 60 – 64, while one panelist abstained. The CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is expected to consider their recommendations before issuing a final decision later this week or early next week.
ACIP’s decision suggests a narrower recommendation and might lead to a lower uptake of the shots than the one vaccine makers might have hoped had the ACIP adopted a stronger “should” recommendation.
During the meeting, GSK (GSK) pledged to price its vaccine at $200 – $295 per dose, while Pfizer (PFE) indicated a price range of $180 – $270 per dose, noting that its final price tag would depend on ongoing pricing negotiations.
Both drugmakers expect to rollout the new shots ahead of the RSV season later this year.
