FDA Approves Beyfortus: A Breakthrough Drug to Safeguard Infants and Toddlers from RSV

The FDA has approved a new drug called Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody developed by Sanofi and AstraZeneca, to protect infants and toddlers from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is the first drug of its kind that will be widely available for children up to 24 months old, beyond a small population of immunocompromised children. Beyfortus reduces the risk of RSV infection by 70% to 75% and is intended to prevent severe illness. It is the second monoclonal antibody on the market, with the other option, palivizumab, recommended only for high-risk infants born severely premature.