GSK confident in RSV vaccine race with Pfizer

GSK is bullish about the market prospects for its RSV vaccine Arexvy in older adults.

The Big Pharma has already shipped its first doses to US distribution centers, initiated its disease awareness campaign and set plans to use its existing international field force.

The multibillion-dollar RSV vaccine launch race was a hot topic at GSK’s second-quarter earnings call. GSK secured FDA approval for Arexvy in May, with Pfizer locking in FDA support for its own RSV vaccine Abrysvo a few weeks later. Following the European Commission’s Arexvy go-ahead in June 2023, GSK is building toward a third-quarter launch in Europe.

In a call with the media, GSK CEO Emma Walmsley said its optimism hinges on the vaccine’s 94.6% efficacy among adults 60 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions, as well as Arexvy’s positive efficacy profile at re-vaccination after 12 months.

Pfizer’s Abrysvo approval is based on Phase III interim analysis data that reported 66.7% vaccine efficacy, though it’s difficult to compare data across trials.

Luke Miels

“We’re very much looking forward to a scientific battle with Pfizer,” GSK chief commercial officer Luke Miels said during an earnings call with investors. “In the end, this is going to mean that physicians and pharmacists are better informed and patients are going to get a better vaccine.”

GSK has put significant emphasis on vaccines and infectious diseases. Walmsley previously told Endpoints News how the US spends billions each year on vaccine-preventable diseases and there’s a higher probability of success in the vaccines business, compared with other indications such as Alzheimer’s disease or neurodegeneration.

The UK-based company estimates that there are 77 million older adults in the US who would be eligible to access its RSV vaccine. While it hasn’t announced a price, Walmsley noted in the media call that “the price has been set to include the recognition of the value, keeping people out of hospital[s], particularly those most vulnerable.”

“This is all part of this next wave of adult immunization,” she said, adding that the company has “a full portfolio” of vaccine innovation.

In fact, some 62% of GSK’s sales now come from vaccines and specialty medicines, which is anticipated to provide growth through the decade, she explained. The company reported 18% sales growth on vaccines alone for Q2, accounting for roughly £2 billion of its £7.2 billion in total sales.

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