New drug to protect babies and toddlers from RSV gets FDA approval ahead of cold season
U.S. officials have approved a new long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against a respiratory virus that causes thousands of hospitalizations each year
By MATTHEW PERRONE
Published - Jul 17, 2023, 01:09 PM ET
Last Updated - Jul 17, 2023, 01:09 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials on Monday approved the first long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against a respiratory virus that sends tens of thousands of American children to the hospital each year.
RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most healthy people, but it can be life-threatening in the very young and the elderly.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the injection for infants and children up to 2 years old who face increased risk of severe RSV.
“Today’s approval addresses the great need for products to help reduce the impact of RSV disease on children, families and the health care system” said FDA's Dr. John Farley in a statement.
