A universal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation programme using Beyfortus (nirsevimab) showed a statistically significant reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations in the second RSV season.

This benefit was shown for infants who had been immunised during their first season, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious respiratory illness for infants. Two out of three infants are infected with RSV during their first year of life and almost all children are infected by their second birthday.

Globally, in 2019, there were approximately 33 million cases of RSV-associated acute lower respiratory infections, with estimated healthcare costs of around 5bn euros in 2017.

The study also showed 55.3% fewer hospitalisations in the second RSV season among infants who received a dose of Beyfortus during infancy.

By preventing severe RSV infections during the first months of life, a critical period of lung development, it is thought the infants may be less prone to subsequent admissions from either RSV or other infections.

The Gilead Foundation has announced a $12m investment in 33 community-based organisations across 14 US states and Washington DC through its Community Health Worker (CHW) Comprehensive HIV Prevention Initiative.

Gilead Foundation said this two-year effort will expand CHW-led prevention models that strengthen knowledge, care navigation and access to services for communities disproportionately affected by HIV.

The initiative will also reinforce organisational infrastructure and CHW training systems to build sustainable, locally driven HIV-prevention networks.

Over the next two years, the recipient organisations will work to deliver targeted HIV prevention education, connect people to services, reduce stigma, strengthen community engagement and expand integrated screening for HIV, STIs, mental health and substance use.

Gilead said the 33 organisations represent a diverse range of communities facing ongoing HIV prevention challenges, with the initiative prioritising the communities most impacted by HIV, including black and Latino communities; cisgender and transgender women; people who inject drugs; and youth – by delivering tailored education and prevention services.

Many programmes will also strengthen the community health workforce through peer navigator models, apprenticeships, pharmacy-based training, and community health integration across care settings, building long-term capacity beyond the grant period.

Novo Nordisk has announced it will invest 432m euros in its facility in Ireland.

The tabletting facility, in Monksland, Athlone, will provide significant additional manufacturing capacity for current and future Novo Nordisk GLP-1 treatments.

The investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Ireland and global healthcare innovation, providing funds for the existing facility to be upgraded and retrofitted.

The investment is a major strategic milestone for the company. It will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity for oral GLP-1s while enabling Ireland to become a critical hub in providing the treatments to markets outside the US.

Kasper Bødker Mejlvang, EVP CMC & Product Supply at Novo Nordisk said: “With the investment in the Athlone facility, Novo Nordisk is expanding its production capacities for oral products, which will strengthen our ability to meet both current and future demand outside the US.”

There are currently 260 employees at the plant focusing on producing high-quality oral treatments for patients, with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Construction has already begun and is expected to be completed in phases from the end of 2027 into 2028.