As RSV cases continue to rise, CDC warns of a shortage of a key drug that can keep babies safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified doctors across the country Monday that certain doses a newly-approved antibody drug given to babies to prevent RSV infection were only available in limited quantities.
As the cold and influenza season begins, RSV (respiratory syncytialvirus) cases are on the rise.
“RSV Season is Here,” said Dr. Buddy Creech, a pediatric infectious-disease doctor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, Tennessee, said, “RSV season is here.” “We are observing a significant increase in RSV, to the point that it is now the most common respiratory virus in children in many areas.
“This is probably one of the reasons there’s a lot scrambling going,” he said. “To identify those babies at greatest risk and to prioritize them, because it’s such limited resources right now.”
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Beyfortus as an antibody drug in July. It is not a vaccination, but it functions similarly to one. Instead of stimulating the immune system into developing its own antibodies to RSV via injection, it delivers antibodies straight to the blood.
Beyfortus is available to infants and newborns during their first RSV season. Children aged 2 and older who are at a high risk of severe illness due to the virus may receive a second dose in their second RSV period.
The CDC alert stated that the highest dose, 100 milligrams of acyclovir, was in short supply. The agency advised doctors to give the highest doses first to infants who are at high risk of severe RSV. This includes infants younger than six months and those with underlying medical conditions. The CDC also told doctors to keep 50 mg doses on hand for infants weighing under 11 pounds.
In a statement released on October 13, Sanofi said, “Despite an aggressive plan to supply this product in order to outperform previous pediatric vaccine launches, the demand for the product, particularly for the 100mg doses, which are primarily used for babies born prior to the RSV season has been higher than expected.”
The FDA has confirmed that the drug is not listed on its database as being in shortage.
Synagis, an antibody drug, is another option for infants to prevent RSV infection. The drug is only approved for high-risk babies and can only be administered during RSV season.
The FDA approved Abrysvo in August for use among pregnant women in the third trimester. The vaccine will protect the baby for six months.
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