Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Therapeutics in Clinical Development

RSV and influenza are two major viral infections that affect people all over the world. In newborns, young children, and older or immunocompromised people, RSV is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. Although findings suggesting a reduced need for supplemental oxygen led to the approval of aerosolized ribavirin for RSV treatment, ribavirin use is limited due to efficacy, safety, and cost concerns. RSV is now treated mostly with supportive care. New antiviral therapies for RSV are in the early phases of development, but the US Food and Drug Administration will take years to approve any of them (FDA). Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody against RSV, has been shown to be beneficial in preventing disease and is the only authorised IP for RSV disease in high-risk paediatric groups. Although its efficacy is well proven, major obstacles to its clinical use include expense, the requirement for monthly injections, and the American Academy of Paediatrics’ changing policy on its use (AAP). The development of an RSV vaccine would allow for the prevention of RSV disease (e.g., live-attenuated, vector-based subunit, or particle-based). New long-acting monoclonal antibodies, on the other hand, have shown promise in early clinical trials. Despite technological breakthroughs, Palivizumab should be utilised to minimise RSV illness burden in high-risk patients who are prescribed it until other treatments become available.

Author(s): Asan-jo Sam*

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