GSK’S NEW RSV VACCINE LASTS TWO SEASONS

GSK’s newly-authorized vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus provides protection across two seasons, potentially giving the UK drug maker an edge over rivals. The shot for older adults, which was cleared by US regulators in May, demonstrated cumulative efficacy of 67.2 percent over two winters against the virus in follow-up data from the company’s trials, GSK said in a statement Wednesday. The results mean the vaccine may only need to be administered every other year, easing the burden on people and potentially increasing the commercial opportunity for GSK. The data comes as a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel is set to decide on what recommendations should be attached to GSK’s shot, as well as another vaccine for older adults from Pfizer.