Two RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines have been approved in 2023 – Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer). Arexvy is recommended for adults over 60 years of age and Abrysvo has also been recommended for administration to expectant mothers between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. We have received inquiries on both and a summary of their development, pre-clinical testing and manufacture follow.
How do they differ? Arexvy (GSK) contains the same adjuvant used in GSK’s Shingrix vaccine, intended to enhance immune response. Abrysvo (Pfizer) does not contain an adjuvant. Beyond this, the vaccines are essentially the same and they leverage the same body of development and pre-clinical testing done by the NIAID (National Institue of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and the NIH.
The body of work is described in this paper, published on August 23, 2023, in Science. A note in the paper (number 25) makes reference to assessments of RSV viral variants and these variants were expressed in Expi293F cell lines. Expi293F is a trade name associated with a modified version of the HEK-293 aborted fetal cell line. This supplement to the paper describes this assessment in greater detail.
CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cell lines are used in the vaccines’ manufacture. Package inserts for Arexvy and Abrysvo may be reviewed by clicking on the names of either vaccine.
The described assessment was an essential component in the pre-clinical testing of both vaccines, so the ethical fault is clear. Both of the approved vaccines are ethically compromised.
Thank you for all you do, however PLEASE tell me WHY it’s OK to continue to permit doctors to shoot pregnant mothers, children and the general public with more and more vaccines??? Even animals too!!!! It just doesn’t make any sense when The Almighty God created us with a built -in IMMUNE SYSTEM. Let it do it’s God given job. Did we lose our faith somewhere along the line? People are sicker than any other part of history with a vaiety of ailments with always NEW lurking around the corner. Big Pharma WANTS their profit $$$. Are you in on it toooooo??? God have Mercy on our souls. Thank you for your time, Julie Roytas
Julienne,
I am in general agreement with you and understand your need to blow off a little steam. I would ask that you stop short of making accusations in the form of a question. We are not “in” on anything, nor do we accept funding from any pharmaceutical enterprise. In fact, we have NO institutional donors. We provide information, research and other forms of support for the pro-life community when it comes to questions regarding biomedical research, development and manufacturing.
Pfizer has lied about the covid shot. China developed the covid shot. No way do I trust either.
So the two new RSV vaccines (Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer)) are ethically compromised. Are there any “old” RSV vaccines prior to 2023 that are ethical?
Unfortunately, no. These vaccines are the first approved for RSV.
Have y’all looked into nirsevimab? TIA
Brian, nirsevimab (Beyfortus – MEDI8897) is ethically developed and manufactured. The antibody source is adult human B cells and pre-clinical in vitro testing was conducted using HeP-2 cells (adult human hepatoma). The monoclonal antibody is manufactured using CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cell lines.
Your 11/13 reply states that there are no FDA-approved ethical RSV vaccines (which I qualify with the assumption of “for adults”). However, your 11/23 reply states that nirsevimab is ethically developed and manufactured.
Upon conducting some cursory research, the following link:
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-prevent-rsv-babies-and-toddlers
prompts this 66-year-old “non-medical novice” to hesitatingly ask the following follow-up question:
Since nirsevimab is ethically developed and manufactured, is it “permissible by law” for it to be administered to other age demographics “off label”?
John, nirsevimab is not a vaccine and its mechanism of action is very different. This drug was developed for use in infants, however, a doctor MAY consider its administration ‘off-label’. Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody and may not have the preventative strength in adults. It is best to consult your doctor for more specific information on its potential use in adults. It is, however, ethically developed, tested and manufactured.
Thank you, I came specifically looking for this information about nirsevimab.