The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released more than 77,000 additional doses of Beyfortus (nirsevimab), a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) drug developed in collaboration between Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:SNY) and AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:AZN).

Beyfortus is a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to protect infants against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. 

These additional doses will be distributed immediately to physicians and hospitals through the Vaccines for Children Program and commercial channels – improving the availability of nirsevimab.

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In July, the FDA approved AstraZeneca and Sanofi's Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for preventing RSV lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in newborns and infants.

CDC and FDA will continue to be in close contact with manufacturers to ensure the availability of additional doses through the end of this year and for early 2024 to meet the demand.

Citing recent CDC data, Reuters noted a notable increase in RSV cases, reaching the highest levels since the previous winter, with nearly 4,952 cases reported by November 4th. Last year witnessed a surge in hospitalizations among children under five due to respiratory viruses, including RSV.

RSV remains a primary cause of hospitalization among infants, with statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicating annual hospitalizations between 1%-3% among children under 12 months in the U.S.

Price Action: AZN shares are up 0.67% at $64.23, and SNY stock is up 0.67% at $46.66 on the last check Friday.