Panel expects to review five respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and vote on one or two of them in June 2023 and others four months later. Sanofi presents results of three clinical trials of its monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, which is on track to be the second RSV prophylaxis for infants.

Discrete packaging for authorized dose in 6-11 year-olds is not yet available, so vaccination providers have to use product from a vial labeled for ‘booster doses only’ in adults. ACIP members unanimously endorse use of the mRNA vaccine in individuals ages 6-17 years but urge manufacturers to move away from relying on color to differentiate formulations.

Afrigen’s MD, Petro Terblanche, discusses the operational freedom that the WTO intellectual property waiver provides for its COVID-19 vaccine being developed under the wider WHO-backed mRNA technology transfer hub initiative. The executive doesn’t anticipate big pharma pushback but says the alliance will “test the system”, though others believe the waiver in its current form doesn’t count for much.

The US biotech major has unveiled plans to open a new research and manufacturing center in the UK, which signals the start of detailed talks with the government about establishing a long-term partnership.