Pfizer, Sanofi's Respiratory Syncytial Virus Products Faces Insurance And Logistical Hurdles To Protect Infants

As the respiratory virus season kicks off, healthcare providers are racing against time to offer Pfizer Inc's PFE vaccine, Abrysvo, to pregnant patients and Sanofi SA's SNY monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus, to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) complications in infants. 

However, several challenges loom, including insurance coverage and the substantial cost of these treatments, which raise concerns among providers about stocking up without guaranteed payment.

While often resembling a common cold in adults, RSV poses a significant threat to newborns, seniors, and adults with chronic medical conditions. 

Complications from RSV remain the leading cause of hospitalization among newborns. Until now, CNBC noted, the only preventative measure available was Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB's BIOVF Synagis, a monthly monoclonal antibody with a hefty price tag of about $1,000 per dose, recommended exclusively for high-risk infants.

Abrysvo, developed by Pfizer, is administered during pregnancy, stimulating an immune response passed on to the fetus. 

Sanofi/AstraZeneca Plc's AZN Beyfortus, on the other hand, directly protects babies with a monoclonal antibody, reducing the risk of severe disease or hospitalization by over 50%.

Despite the price tag of $295 per shot for Abrysvo, many healthcare professionals have chosen to make it easily accessible to patients in their offices. Pfizer attributes potential access issues to the rapid recommendation for Abrysvo use during pregnancy, which only occurred recently.

While Sanofi claims that health plans already cover more than 90% of infants for Beyfortus, insurers acknowledge the possibility of delays as they update their policies. 

Price Action: SNY shares are up 0.40% at $54.75 on the last check Monday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.