Merck's RSV antibody Clesrovimab for infants shows 60.4% effectiveness in mid-to-late stage clinical trial
The drug clesrovimab also helped reduce RSV associated hospitalizations by 84.2% compared to placebo, Merck said.
Written By : Farhat Nasim
Published On 2024-10-19 06:45 GMT | Update On 2024-10-19 06:45 GMT
Bengaluru: Merck said on Thursday its experimental antibody therapy, clesrovimab, demonstrated a 60.4% effectiveness in reducing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants.
The seasonal shot met its primary goal in the mid-to-late stage trial, reducing the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections in healthy infants up to one year of age entering their first RSV season.
The drug also helped reduce RSV-associated hospitalizations by 84.2% compared to placebo, Merck said.
The incidence of treatment-related side effects were comparable between the clesrovimab and placebo groups, Merck said, adding that there were no treatment or RSV-related deaths during the study.
Merck had said in July that the shot met the main goal in the study, but did not give details.
If approved, clesrovimab will compete in the U.S. market with Sanofi and AstraZeneca's antibody therapy Beyfortus.
The FDA approved Beyfortus last year to prevent RSV infection in infants and toddlers, also administered once per season.
In a separate late-stage study, Beyfortus showed a 74.5% reduction in the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections requiring medical care in infants.
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum's preventive RSV therapy Synagis is also available as a monthly injection.
Merck reported on Thursday that clesrovimab had a comparable safety profile to Synagis, citing interim results from a separate late-stage study.
Pfizer's RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is approved for use in pregnant women to prevent RSV infections in babies during the first six months after birth.
RSV, which typically causes cold-like symptoms, is a leading cause of pneumonia and death in babies and older adults. The virus leads to 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.