KUALA LUMPUR, September 24, 2024 – GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK) has officially announced the approval of its Arexvy vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Malaysia. This significant development comes as an essential measure to combat the health risks associated with RSV, particularly among older adults.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a prevalent respiratory pathogen that can result in severe health complications, including lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and pneumonia, especially in older populations. Professor Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, a consultant and respiratory physician at Hospital Al Sultan Abdullah Universiti Teknologi MARA (HASA UiTM), emphasized the critical nature of RSV, noting that it poses a heightened risk for seniors who already suffer from underlying health issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic heart failure.
“Prevention is key for RSV infection as there is currently no specific treatment available,” Dr Ismail stated. He highlighted the importance of the vaccine in safeguarding the older generation, particularly those with comorbidities. “Any complications arising from RSV can lead to hospitalization, which we aim to prevent,” he added.
Dr Alap Gandhi, the Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia and Brunei, elaborated on the vaccine’s formulation, which combines RSV antigens with an adjuvant designed to provoke a robust immune response. This innovation aims to protect older adults and individuals with pre-existing health conditions from the potentially severe effects of RSV.
The Arexvy vaccine has already received approval in 50 countries and is set to be launched in Malaysia next month, following its introduction in the United States a year prior. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the vaccine boasts an impressive overall efficacy rate of 82.6% against RSV-LRTD, with an even higher efficacy of 94.6% observed among adults with comorbidities.
“Our goal with the vaccine is to help more Malaysians, particularly older adults, live healthy lives,” Dr Gandhi remarked, underscoring the transformative potential of the vaccine in alleviating the burden of RSV on both the healthcare system and society as a whole.
In a statement, Ruxandra Nastasa, Vice President and General Manager of GSK Malaysia & Brunei, reinforced the company’s commitment to innovation and proactive disease management. “For us, this means not only treating but also preventing diseases,” she explained. Nastasa emphasized the importance of collaboration between GSK, healthcare providers, and patients to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine reach those in need.
“At GSK, we believe that prevention is the most beneficial intervention for patients and healthcare systems,” she concluded, highlighting the company’s dedication to improving public health through effective vaccination strategies.
The introduction of the Arexvy vaccine marks a significant milestone in the fight against RSV, particularly for vulnerable populations. With its imminent availability, GSK aims to enhance the health and well-being of older adults in Malaysia, providing a crucial tool in the ongoing battle against respiratory diseases.
