WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against RSV, a respiratory virus.

RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most healthy people, but it can be life-threatening in the very young and the elderly.

FDA approved the injection for infants and children up to age 2 who face increased risk of severe RSV.

AstraZeneca’s drug, to be sold under the brand name Beyfortus, is a laboratory-made version of an antibody that helps the immune system fight RSV. Babies, including preterm infants, can receive a single injection to protect against their first season of RSV, which typically lasts about five months. They can receive another dose to protect them during their second season.

Beyfortus, which will be marketed in the U.S. by Sanofi, already is approved in Canada Europe and U.K.

FDA officials approved the drug based on three studies showing Beyfortus reduces the risk of RSV infection 70% to 75% among infants and children age 2 and under.

Advisers to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet next month to recommend who should recceive the drug.

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