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Post-Marketing Surveillance of Nirsevimab: Safety Profile and Adverse Event Analysis from Spain's 2023-2024 RSV
Pablo Estrella-Porter1, Elisa Correcher-Martínez2, Alejandro Orrico-Sánchez2,3
1Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
Insights
Nirsevimab, a new monoclonal antibody for infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prophylaxis, showed a favorable safety profile in Spain. Post-marketing surveillance identified common events like rash and pyrexia, with no new safety concerns emerging.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants.
- Bronchiolitis and other LRTI significantly burden young children's health.
- Spain implemented universal nirsevimab prophylaxis for infants during the 2023-2024 RSV season.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of nirsevimab in infants through post-marketing surveillance.
- To assess adverse events following nirsevimab administration during its first season of use in Spain.
- To identify any new or unexpected safety signals associated with nirsevimab.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive pharmacovigilance study utilizing spontaneous reports of suspected adverse events (SAEs).
- Data sourced from the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System (SEFV-H) and industry reports (September 2023 - May 2024).
- Analysis of SAEs by demographics, severity, and Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Preferred Terms; reporting rates calculated.
Main Results:
- 141 SAEs were reported across 67 cases, with an overall rate of 23.1 per 100,000 doses.
- Most frequent events included rash, drug ineffectiveness, and pyrexia.
- Serious adverse events comprised 53.70% of reports; two fatalities were noted, with no new safety signals identified.
Conclusions:
- Nirsevimab demonstrated a favorable safety profile consistent with clinical trial data.
- The benefit-risk balance of nirsevimab supports its use in reducing RSV-related illness in infants.
- Continued pharmacovigilance is essential for maintaining confidence in RSV prophylaxis strategies.
Abstract:
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant health burden in children, being the major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), including bronchiolitis. During the 2023-2024 RSV season, Spain introduced nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody for universal RSV prophylaxis in infants. This study reviews the safety of nirsevimab through post-marketing surveillance. Material and Methods: A descriptive pharmacovigilance study was made based on spontaneous reporting data of suspected adverse events (SAEs) from the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Medicinal Products for Human Use (SEFV-H) and industry reports. SAEs reported between September 2023 and May 2024 were extracted from the Spanish Pharmacovigilance Adverse Reactions Data (FEDRA) database. Cases were analysed by sex, age, severity, and SAEs classification using the Preferred Terms (PT) level of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). Reporting rates were estimated based on immunization coverage and birth data. Results: Sixty-seven cases reported 141 SAEs, yielding an overall rate of 23.1 cases per 100,000 doses. Common events included rash (8.51%), drug ineffectiveness (7.09%), and pyrexia (7.09%). Serious events constituted 53.70% of reports, including two fatalities (3.00%). No new safety signals or unexpected risks, such as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), were identified. Discussion: SAEs reported peaked early in the campaign, reflecting heightened reporting in new immunization programs. The safety profile aligns with clinical trial findings and regulatory expectations, confirming nirsevimab's benefit-risk balance. Continued pharmacovigilance is critical for maintaining public trust in RSV prophylaxis. Nirsevimab demonstrated a favorable safety profile during Spain's initial universal RSV immunization campaign in infants, supporting its continued use in reducing RSV-related morbidity.
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