RSV Prevention Advances: South Korea approves MSD's Encloncia; Australia expands vaccine program

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety granted approval for Enfloncia (clesrovimab), a monoclonal antibody developed by MSD (Merck) to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants. The therapy provides passive immunity through a single injection, offering immediate protection throughout the RSV season and joining a growing list of nations adopting long‑acting antibodies for pediatric RSV prevention.

In Australia, the Australian Medical Association launched RSV Awareness Week, urging the public to discuss RSV vaccination with their GP. The federal government has added the RSV vaccine to the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 and older and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over, while a maternal vaccine introduced the previous year has been administered to over 225,000 mothers, contributing to a 9% reduction in child RSV cases.

Both initiatives aim to lower RSV‑related hospitalisations and deaths among high‑risk groups, including infants, older adults, and Indigenous populations.