FDA approves antibody to protect infants from RSV

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Nirsevimab to protect newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, on Monday. Nirsevimab, which will be sold under the brand name Beyfortus, is not a vaccine. Instead, Nirsevimab is a form of passive immunity. It’s a ready-made antibody that can bind to the virus and block it from infecting healthy cells. It will be given as a single injection to an infant before RSV season, which usually peaks in the fall and winter months. The FDA approval also allows a second injection for infants up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable through their second RSV season.