The mid-stage study of NovavaxInc’s vaccine which it claim can prevent a common respiratory viral infection is all set to be the first vaccine for the virus that affects almost all American children.

The vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has long eluded developers as deficits in the understanding of the virus' molecular structure and multiple trial failures have come in the way.

As per the estimates given by Wedbush analyst Heather Behanna, RSV vaccine represents a $1 billion opportunity in the United States and potentially doubles worldwide.

Mostly in healthy children and adults, the seasonal infection causes little more than a common cold, but in high-risk groups, which include those with weak immune systems, young infants and the elderly, the infection can lead to more serious lung and airway infections.

Novavax's vaccine is said to be quite similar to or better than a number of respiratory vaccines tested in the elderly, data presented on Monday showed.

After gathering latest details on its vaccine Novavax hopes to begin a late-stage 8,000-10,000 patient study in the elderly later this year, coinciding with the RSV season in the United States.

Apart from this, Novavax is also immunizing pregnant women in a separate mid-stage trial in an attempt to jumpstart infant immunity. Data from this trial is expected later this quarter.

It is also aiming that the regulators should fast-track and breakthrough therapy pathway, potentially shortening its path towards approval.

In addition, MedImmune, which is now part of AstraZeneca Plc, developed a drug that prevents lung infections caused by RSV, but not the RSV infection itself.

Novavax's senior vice president of R&D, Gregory Glenn, said, “If you look at the principle involved in this monoclonal antibody working, you knew if you could replicate that, your vaccine should work ... that's been our big breakthrough”.