Vaccines

Merck’s investigational antibody clesrovimab demonstrated more than 60% effectiveness in reducing some types of respiratory syncytial virus-associated infections in infants, while Pfizer’s RSV vaccine Abrysvo showed 90% effectiveness at preventing the most severe RSV cases in adults 60 years and older.

The mpox vaccine induced an antibody response in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years that matched that in adults, suggesting the shot can be used to protect the highly susceptible group.

The lawsuits claim that Moderna used and profited from crucial mRNA technology in its COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax and respiratory syncytial virus shot mResvia.

Vaccine biotech Gritstone bio is filing for bankruptcy while securing a stalking horse bid from an unnamed party, which the company hopes will save its clinical research in cancer and infectious disease.

The settlement, which is at the low end of Jefferies analysts’ $2 billion to $3.5 billion estimate, will resolve 93% of the product liability cases regarding allegations that GSK’s heartburn drug could cause cancer. Analysts say separate concerns remain about its vaccines business.

While a JAMA study found a decline in mpox antibody responses after vaccination, a University of Oxford expert cautioned that there is still not enough evidence to determine if this decline also leads to waning protections.

Regulators, policymakers and others can more effectively battle the disease by creating incentives to make mpox a more attractive investment opportunity.

If approved, the co-administration of Arexvy and Shingrix could provide a more convenient vaccination regimen for patients and potentially bolster GSK’s faltering sales for both vaccines.

Infusions of Vertex and CRISPR Therapeutics’ Casgevy and bluebird bio’s Lyfgenia have begun; Moderna targets 10 approvals through 2027; more oral obesity drug data; the latest from ESMO and more.

The potential of mRNA vaccines was established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a new wave of candidates could soon hit the market for cancer, influenza and more.