A New Hope Against RSV
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RSV is the most common cause of hospitalisation of children in South Africa and globally
Wits researchers involved: Shabir Madhi
Every year, millions of babies around the world face a dangerous threat: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is the most common cause of hospitalisation of children in South Africa and globally. This common virus, which causes an epidemic each year in South Africa between February and June, causes severe lung infections, sending more than three million infants to hospitals annually. While premature babies are especially vulnerable, most hospitalisations happen in healthy, full-term infants during their first six months of life.
Over and above other recently licensed interventions, such as Nirsevimab (another long-acting monoclonal antibody) and maternal RSV vaccines that have recently become available, additional strategies are needed to reduce the burden of disease. Now, a new breakthrough could change this, giving parents options to protect their little ones.
Researchers have developed Clesrovimab, a second long-acting antibody designed to shield babies from RSV with just one injection per season. The study, ‘Clesrovimab for Prevention of RSV Disease in Healthy Infants’, was published in The New England Journal of Medicine in October.
A dose per season keeps babies protected
In a large international study involving over 3,600 infants, scientists tested whether a single dose of Clesrovimab could prevent RSV infections. Participants were between three and six months old. The results were striking. Among babies who received Clesrovimab, only 2.6% developed RSV-related lung infections, reducing the risk by 60%. Protection lasted for at least six months, the length of a typical RSV season, and was strongest against severe illness.
Why Global Access Matters
Rolling out Clesrovimab globally could have a transformative impact on infant health. RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation in babies under one year, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries where access to intensive care is limited. “Real-world experience with the first long-acting monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab), to be licensed, has demonstrated a reduction of 80% and above for RSV hospitalisation in children who received it,” says Professor Madhi, Wits vaccinologist and contributing researcher to the study.
He adds that the same would now be expected of Clesrovimab but stresses that it would only be possible if “provided that it is affordable and accessible to where most of the RSV burden exists”.
Beyond clinical benefits, widespread use of interventions against RSV in infants could alleviate emotional and financial stress for families. “The public health value, especially in LMIC [Low- and Middle-Income Countries], of the recent licensed interventions against RSV will only materialise should the intervention be more accessible and equitable worldwide,” he explains.
While more research will continue, the findings on Clesrovimab offer hope to the growing arsenal of tools to keep babies healthy in their vulnerable early months.
Read the full study here