Moderna wins European Commission joint procurement deal for mRESVIA RSV vaccine

UK—Moderna has secured a joint procurement contract with the European Commission (EC) that will give participating countries access to up to 24 million doses of its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, mRESVIA, ahead of the 2026–2027 winter season.

The agreement will run for up to four years and does not require countries to place a minimum order.

The EC signed the framework agreement after a request from six participating countries, including Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Portugal.

The arrangement aims to improve access to RSV vaccination before seasonal infections typically surge, helping governments prepare for increased pressure on healthcare systems.

mRESVIA received European approval in August 2024 for preventing lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in adults aged 60 years and older.

Its indication was later extended to include adults aged 18 to 59 years who face a higher risk of severe RSV disease.

Earlier this year, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) also recommended expanding its use to all adults aged 18 years and above, paving the way for broader vaccination once the European Commission grants final approval.

The mRNA-based vaccine works by delivering genetic instructions that enable cells to produce a harmless version of an RSV protein.

The immune system then recognises the protein and generates antibodies that help protect against future infection.

Reducing hospitalisations and antibiotic use

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms.

However, it can trigger serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia in older adults and other vulnerable groups.

More than 156,000 adults are hospitalised across Europe every year because of RSV.

The European Commission said wider access to vaccines should ease pressure on hospitals during winter, when RSV and other respiratory infections peak.

It also supports public health efforts to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control continues to recommend immunisation for people at higher risk of severe RSV disease.

Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said the joint procurement will help member states strengthen preparedness before the next winter season.

She added that protecting vulnerable populations will also reduce the burden of respiratory infections on hospitals during peak periods.

Competition and recent developments

The European agreement comes as Moderna expands its respiratory vaccine business.

In the United States, the FDA broadened mRESVIA’s indication in June 2025 to include adults aged 18 to 59 years who are at increased risk of RSV-related LRTD, although it has not recommended routine vaccination for all adults.

Meanwhile, Moderna recently resolved its long-running global patent dispute with Arbutus Biopharma and Genevant Sciences through a settlement covering its infectious disease portfolio, including mRESVIA.

The agreement removes future royalty obligations on the products, although the company will make an upfront payment as part of the settlement.

Moderna continues to compete with GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo, which remain the world’s leading commercially available RSV vaccines.