Evolving Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A Review Article of Preventive Agents and Vaccines for RSV

Abstract

Objective:

The objective was to describe the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and recommendations for the use of newly approved preventive agents and vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and discuss their uptake during the 2023 to 2024 RSV season.

Data sources:

A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2020 to February 2024) with the search terms RSV vaccine, preventive antibody, and RSV prevention. Utilization data were collected from TriNetX using the US Collaborative Network (May 2024) using the terms palivizumab, nirsevimab, and RSV prefusion F protein.

Study selection and data extraction:

Relevant English-language studies assessing the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved preventive agents and vaccines for RSV in humans were considered. Population-level utilization data were extracted from TriNetX.

Data synthesis:

Nirsevimab was observed to have noninferior efficacy and safety compared with palivizumab with less frequent administration. Nirsevimab is recommended to replace palivizumab for RSV prophylaxis in all eligible infants. Arexvy and Abrysvo are effective at reducing the risk of RSV infection in adults aged ≥60 years, and Arexvy is indicated in adults aged ≥50 years. These vaccines are equally recommended for use in the elderly adult population, but only Abrysvo is indicated and recommended for maternal administration. Most infants only require prophylaxis through either maternal RSV vaccination or nirsevimab administration

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice:

This review compares the indications for use, guideline recommendations, and clinical trial efficacy and safety data for palivizumab, nirsevimab, Abrysvo, and Arexvy to guide clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

Novel RSV preventive agents, including Abrysvo, Arexvy, and nirsevimab, offer less burdensome dosing and administration compared with palivizumab, show promising efficacy and safety data, and expand the populations eligible for RSV prevention. Updated clinical guidance supports immediate adoption of these agents in practice, and population-level data suggest these agents were used during the 2023 to 2024 RSV season.

Keywords

respiratory infections preventative medicine vaccines infectious disease immunizations clinical practice guidelines clinical pharmacy evidence-based medicine prescribing patterns drug information

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