COMPOSITE IMAGE: JEROME CRISTOBAL FROM REUTERS/INQ STOCK PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines —A messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a contagious airborne disease, for adults may be available in the Philippines next year.
Dr. Jane Leong, Moderna’s vice president for medical affairs in Asia Pacific region, said that among the vaccines in the company’s pipeline to fight against respiratory infections is an RSV jab that is currently in phase 3 clinical trials.
The vaccine, however, is specifically designed only for older adults. Moderna is looking to file for regulatory approval in the Philippines once the RSV vaccine is approved in the US and EU, Leong noted.
RSV is the leading cause of respiratory illness in children, while seniors are at risk for severe infections. Identified as high-risk are those with comorbidities such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the Philippines, 221 cases of RSV were reported among kids from January to August last year. Its symptoms are similar to COVID-19.