Healthcare professionals react positively to RSV vaccine news, plus Crohn's disease, and heart failure drugs

An analysis of the online conversations among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on social media from 01 May to 31 May 2023 offers insight into, and sentiment toward, new pharmaceutical product approvals and launches. 

By analysing the 3,402 Twitter posts generated by 2,369 healthcare professionals, leading healthcare insights consultancy, Creation Healthcare, were able to study the reactions and thoughts surrounding several product approvals discussed online by HCPs. 

Key spikes in discussion surrounded the approval of the first RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and over; the first approved oral product available to treat moderately to severely active Crohn's disease; and the approval of a new treatment for hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia. 

On 3 May, the FDA approved GSK’s Arexvy, the first RSV vaccine authorised for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and over. Healthcare professionals demonstrated their exuberance by sharing the approval alongside positive declarations. Some described it as ‘very big news’ or even ‘incredible news’. One HCP described this novel vaccine as a ‘long-sought scientific achievement’.

On 18 May, the FDA approved AbbVie’s Rinvoq (upadacitinib) for adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Discussion surrounding the announcement was amplified by World IBD Day the following day. Experts shared positive comments around the approval, with some HCPs expressing delight about the first oral medication in the therapy area. Others shared their encouragement for another effective option for patients to be launched.

19 May saw the FDA grant accelerated approval to Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp), manufactured by Genmab, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). HCPs were delighted with the approval and expressed enthusiasm, stating the treatment would be a ‘wonderful addition’ to other lymphoma treatments available to patients. 

On 26 May, the FDA approved Entasis Therapeutics’ Xacduro (sulbactam/durlobactam), a new treatment for hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by strains of bacteria which are difficult to treat. HCPs were eager to spread the news of the approval, sharing their excitement among their followers. Many celebrated the approval online and congratulated their peers for their scientific achievement.

At the end of the month, the FDA approved Lexicon Pharma’ Inpefa (sotagliflozin) for the treatment of heart failure. Inpefa has been granted approval for patients with heart failure or type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and other cardiovascular risk factors. HCPs were positive about the approval, sharing the ‘breaking’ news with their peers online. They commented on the promising trial data of the product, sharing their hope for the first dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor to be approved in HF.

The three most shared links from HCPs discussing product launches in March were an FDA press release on the approval of Arexvy, the first RSV Vaccines for adults aged 60 years and over, by GSK; an FDA press release on the approval of Rinvoq, the first oral treatment for moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease; and, a Lexicon Pharmaceuticals announcement of the FDA approval of Inpefa, an oral tablet for treatment of heart failure.