The recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Moderna’s vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults ages 60 and above marks a significant milestone for the company, as it represents their second product to enter the U.S. market. This decision comes at a crucial time for Moderna, as the demand for their Covid jab has been declining, leaving them in need of another revenue source. The vaccine, marketed under the brand name mRESVIA, is the first messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine to receive approval for a disease other than Covid, highlighting the versatility of Moderna’s mRNA platform.
The approval of Moderna’s RSV vaccine is particularly important for older adults, who are more vulnerable to severe cases of RSV. The virus is responsible for the deaths of between 6,000 and 10,000 seniors annually, with an additional 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations reported each year. By providing a vaccine specifically designed for this demographic, Moderna aims to address a critical public health need and reduce the burden of RSV on the elderly population.
With the approval of Moderna’s RSV vaccine, the company will now be able to compete against existing RSV shots from pharmaceutical giants GSK and Pfizer, which launched their respective vaccines last fall. While Pfizer’s vaccine has lagged behind GSK’s in sales, both companies have seen significant revenue from their RSV vaccines. Moderna’s full-year sales guidance for 2024 includes revenue from their RSV vaccine, indicating the company’s expectations for the success of this new product in the market.
Moderna’s mRNA platform has shown promise in addressing a wide range of diseases beyond Covid, including cancer, norovirus, and now RSV. The company currently has more than 40 products in development, with several in late-stage trials. This includes a combination shot targeting Covid and the flu, as well as a personalized cancer vaccine developed in partnership with Merck. Moderna’s ambitious product pipeline reflects their commitment to innovation and addressing global public health threats.
Investors have shown high hopes for the future potential of Moderna’s mRNA product pipeline, with the company’s shares seeing a significant increase of over 60% this year. This growth comes after a challenging period in 2023, during which the company’s shares fell by nearly 45%. The approval of Moderna’s RSV vaccine underscores the confidence in the company’s ability to deliver innovative solutions for healthcare challenges and drive long-term growth.
The approval of Moderna’s vaccine for RSV in older adults represents a significant achievement for the company, demonstrating the versatility of their mRNA platform and their commitment to addressing global health threats. By expanding their product pipeline to include vaccines for a range of diseases, Moderna is well-positioned to drive future growth and make a meaningful impact on public health. The approval of mRESVIA is not only a win for Moderna but also a promising development for older adults at risk of severe RSV infections.