Moderna said on Friday Canada’s health regulator has approved its vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in adults 60 years and older, making it the country’s first authorized mRNA-based shot for the condition.
Health Canada has approved the vaccine, mRESVIA, for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease in older adults, the company said, adding that its supply is expected in early 2025.
The company said mRNA vaccines, which teach the body to make specific proteins that the immune system can recognize and attack, have the potential to treat multiple diseases and be more effective than conventional shots.
Earlier this week, British drugmaker GSK received approval in Canada for its RSV vaccine for adults aged between 50 and 59 years.
GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s shot Abrysvo, both protein-based vaccines, are also approved in Canada for adults aged 60 years and older.
Earlier this year, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended RSV immunization for adults 75 years and older.
It also recommended adults 60 years and older get an RSV shot if they live in long-term care homes or other chronic care facilities.
Moderna’s shot was approved in the United States in May for the same age group. It is also approved in Europe and Qatar.
Moderna says its mRNA vaccine is the first RSV shot to come in a pre-filled syringe.
“Public vaccine procurement in Canada involves many provincial, territorial and federal stakeholders. Moderna will work with all relevant stakeholders to enable eligible Canadians to have access to this vaccine,” a spokesperson said.
The product does not appear to be listed in Health Canada’s database of approved vaccines and the department did not immediately reply to CBC News on the status.
RSV, which typically causes cold-like symptoms, is a leading cause of pneumonia in toddlers and older adults.