Just a single dose of a new antibody treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could significantly reduce hospital admissions for babies, according to a study from the New England Journal of Medicine.
The Harmonie study took 8058 infants in France, Germany and the UK and randomly assigned half to receive the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab. Researchers observed an 83% decrease in RSV-related hospitalisations for those administered with nirsevimab, compared to those receiving standard care.
Going forward, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) say nirsevimab could be provided as an antibody jab, or a vaccine for pregnant women. Either would majorly impact hospitalisations in infants.
Co-study leader, Professor Saul Faust said:
‘These latest results show that this long-acting antibody is safe and could protect thousands of babies from hospitalisation when used in conditions similar to routine clinical practice. It is really important information for the UK to help decide on options for the future national RSV immunisation programme.’
Image | Unsplash
