A groundbreaking study reveals that Nirsevimab, a novel antibody treatment administered in a single dose, holds the potential to reduce winter virus hospitalisations for babies by over 80%. The focus is on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), known for causing mild cold-like symptoms that can escalate to Bronchiolitis and Pneumonia.
Conducted across the UK, France and Germany, the trial enlisted 8,000 children aged up to 12 months. Half of them received Nirsevimab, leading to an impressive 83% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations and a 58% decrease in admissions for all chest infections. With over 30,000 UK children under five being hospitalised annually due to RSV, resulting in 20 to 30 deaths, the Harmonie study results signify a significant breakthrough.
Parents participating in the trial express optimism about the impact on children's health during the winter season. Developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi, Nirsevimab received UK licensing last year. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommends exploring a cost-effective RSV immunisation program for both infants and older adults, with options including the antibody jab or an RSV vaccine for pregnant women.
Professor Saul Faust, co-study leader at the University of Southampton, underscores the importance of these results in influencing the UK's decisions regarding future RSV immunisation initiatives. The potential to reduce hospitalisations, especially during routine clinical practice, highlights the significance of this long-acting antibody.
