Singapore approves Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) to protect all infants against RSV disease

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved Sanofi and AstraZeneca’s BEYFORTUS (nirsevimab) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season, and for children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season. BEYFORTUS (nirsevimab) is the first immunisation designed for first RSV season, including for those born healthy at term or preterm, or with specific health conditions.

Globally, around 2 in 3 babies will catch RSV before their first birthday and it remains the most common cause of lower respiratory tract disease, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in infants. RSV is also a leading cause of hospitalisation among infants in Singapore, with most cases occurring in otherwise healthy, full-term babies. Each year, approximately 1,804 children under 29 months are hospitalised due to RSV-related illness.

A group of paediatricians in Singapore has recently released an expert consensus underscoring the critical importance of RSV protection for all infants. They agree that nirsevimab is essential for reducing the RSV burden on the healthcare system and suggest considering its inclusion in the National Immunisation Programme for all infants in Singapore.

As a long-acting antibody provided directly to newborns and infants as a single dose, BEYFORTUS offers rapid protection to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV without requiring activation of the immune system. BEYFORTUS administration can be timed to coincide with the RSV season.

BEYFORTUS has been approved for use in the European Union, the US, China, Japan, and many other countries around the world.