The development of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been identified as a priority for WHO's Vaccine Product and Delivery Research Unit, through PDVAC consultation.

WHO Preferred Product Characteristics (PPCs) aim to discuss and present preferences relative to vaccine parameters that are important when considering the public health need and the pathway to policy decision and use. PPCs for maternal and paediatric vaccines and for monoclonal antibodies have been published (link below):

A vaccine development technology roadmap has also been published which aims to highlight priority activities for vaccine researchers, funders and product developers, with the goal to accelerate the pathway to availability.

Beyond the technology roadmap, WHO has engaged with PATH through the Advancing Maternal Immunization (AMI) collaboration to develop a more detailed gap analysis describing the evidence, information, and policy needs of global and country decision-makers, public health program planners, and implementers who might be involved in decision-making and introducing maternal RSV vaccines. AMI’s companion maternal RSV vaccine roadmap describes near- and mid-to long-term activities required to generate key evidence and achieve the necessary conditions for advancing RSV maternal immunization in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO is also engaging with PATH and other partners to raise awareness about RSV and new products on the horizon, to support global, regional, and country decision-making around RSV prevention, policy, and implementation preparedness. To advance these efforts, a suite of communications materials are being developed that public health stakeholders and advocates can use to share information and raise awareness about RSV disease, forthcoming prevention tools, and delivery considerations. These include presentation slides, fact sheets, and other resources that are available at the link below.

Vaccine and mAbs pipeline