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GSK (NYSE:GSK) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) both declined in Wednesday trading after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended an age range for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines that wasn’t as broad as drugmakers would have liked. GSK closed down ~3.6%, while Pfizer lost 2%. The panel voted that adults 75 years and older, as well as those between 60 and 74 who have an elevated risk of developing severe RSV due to pre-existing medical conditions, should get the shots. Earlier in June, the U.S. FDA expanded the label for GSK’s shot, Arexvy, to those 50-59 years old at increased risk of infection. However, ACIP refused to endorse Arexvy in that group. ACIP endorsement is important as it dictates whether government health programs and private health insurance must cover immunizations for a specific group of people. Moderna (MRNA), which won approval of its RNA-based RSV shot in May, closed down 11% as new data indicated its efficacy isn’t as strong as GSK’s or Pfizer’s vaccine.
