In older adults, an AS01

Area of Science:

• * Vaccinology
• * Virology
• * Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory illness in older adults, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.
• * Current prevention strategies for RSV in this age group are limited.
• * The prefusion F protein of RSV is a key target for vaccine development due to its role in viral entry.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein-based vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older.
• * To assess the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing lower respiratory tract illness caused by RSV.

Main Methods:

• * A randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded Phase 3 clinical trial (AReSVi-006) was conducted.
• * Participants received a single dose of the RSV prefusion F protein vaccine or a placebo.
• * Efficacy was assessed by the incidence of RSV-defined lower respiratory tract illness (LRTD).

Main Results:

• * The vaccine demonstrated a high overall efficacy of 85.7% in preventing RSV-LRTD.
• * Efficacy against severe RSV-LRTD was 94.4%.
• * The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile.

Conclusions:

• * The respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein vaccine is effective and safe for preventing RSV illness in older adults.
• * This vaccine represents a significant advancement in the prevention of RSV-related respiratory disease in a vulnerable population.
• * Widespread vaccination could reduce the burden of RSV in older adults.