Medsafe approves RSV prevention medicine for babies, now Pharmac needs to fund

A major milestone has been reached in the fight against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with Medsafe approving nirsevimab – a medicine that helps protect babies and young children from severe RSV infection.

The Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ is now urging Pharmac to move quickly to fund the medicine, ensuring that eligible children can benefit from it as soon as possible.

Nirsevimab has been approved by Medsafe for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants entering their first winter RSV season, as well as children up to 2 years old who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.

Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the approval is an important step forward for child respiratory health.

"This is fantastic news for New Zealand families and a significant milestone in reducing the burden of RSV.

"Every winter, RSV hospitalises thousands of babies and young children, and this medicine has the potential to prevent many of those admissions."

RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants and young children, with Māori and Pacific children experiencing disproportionately high rates of severe disease.

With Medsafe approval secured, the focus now turns to Pharmac, Ms Harding says.

"We've cleared one hurdle, but there's still one to go.

"We need Pharmac to move quickly so eligible babies and children can receive this protection before another RSV season places them at unnecessary risk."

Foundation Respiratory Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says Nirsevimab has been found to be highly effective in preventing RSV in Australia and countries in the Northern hemisphere.

“It is one of the best things that we could do to improve the health of babies and young children and may also reduce their risk of long-term lung damage from the virus”.