Flag of Japan. Photo by Kulbir on Pexels.com
Japan’s government approved a bill on Tuesday that would allow antibody drugs to be used in immunization programs, expanding the country’s approach beyond conventional vaccines.
The measure would open the way for antibody-based treatments to be included in public immunization efforts for the first time.
The government was eyeing the use of antibody drugs against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, which can cause severe illness in infants.
Vaccines generally work by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against a disease.
Antibody drugs, on the other hand, provide protection by injecting prepared antibodies directly into a person’s system.
Officials viewed the approach as an added layer of protection for infants at risk of serious RSV infection.
Japan began regular RSV vaccinations for pregnant women in April to help pass protection to their babies.