Recent financial reports reveal a significant decline in sales for RSV vaccines from pharmaceutical giants GSK and Pfizer during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the previous year. The downturn is largely attributed to reduced vaccination rates following adjusted U.S. health guidelines.
Pfizer disclosed in its Tuesday earnings report that revenue from its RSV vaccine Abrysvo experienced a 62% decrease year-over-year in Q4. The company pointed to substantially lower vaccination rates among eligible older adults in the United States as the primary factor, following the narrowing of U.S. guidelines in mid-2024.
Similarly, GSK reported on Wednesday that sales of its RSV vaccine Arexvy fell by 69% compared to the same period last year. The company cited diminished demand resulting from more restricted recommendations for individuals aged 60-74 years, along with inventory adjustments in distribution channels.
Since its 2023 approval, Arexvy has maintained a leading position in the RSV vaccine market, though Pfizer has managed to capture an increasing share. While both vaccines showed strong initial
performance, their commercial success has been hampered by the revised CDC guidelines.
The updated recommendations from the CDC’s advisory panel now specify that adults between 60 and 74 years should receive the vaccine only if they face high risk of severe RSV disease, replacing previous guidance that encouraged shared decision-making for all adults over 60. The committee maintained its recommendation for universal vaccination in adults 75 and older.
Both pharmaceutical companies have achieved expanded approvals for their vaccines, though adoption rates may depend on future guideline updates. GSK’s Arexvy received authorization for at-risk adults aged 50-59, while Pfizer’s Abrysvo was approved for at-risk adults aged 18-59. Abrysvo’s maternal immunization indication has helped offset some revenue losses, with Pfizer reporting robust demand in this category.
The future of these vaccines faces additional considerations, including uncertainty about the need for booster doses. In October, industry analysts suggested limited likelihood of implementing a two-year vaccination schedule for Arexvy. Both vaccines recently received updated FDA labeling to include warnings about increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition.
Looking ahead, GSK announced plans to enhance its research and development investments in respiratory medicines and other key areas. While the company projects slight declines in vaccine division revenue for the coming year, it maintains an optimistic outlook for overall business growth of 3-5%.
The evolving landscape of RSV vaccination highlights the complex interplay between public health guidelines, market dynamics, and pharmaceutical innovation. As both companies navigate these
challenges, the focus remains on establishing effective vaccination strategies while adapting to changing regulatory frameworks and market conditions.
The impact of the CDC’s revised recommendations continues to influence vaccination patterns, particularly affecting the originally targeted age groups. While both vaccines maintain their importance in preventing RSV-related illness, their commercial performance reflects the significant influence of public health guidance on vaccine uptake and market success.
The situation also underscores the broader challenges faced by vaccine manufacturers in maintaining sustainable market presence amid evolving health recommendations and safety considerations. As the RSV vaccine market continues to develop, both GSK and Pfizer must adapt their strategies to address these changing dynamics while ensuring their products reach the populations that can benefit most from protection against RSV infection.