Merck (MSD), a global pharmaceutical company, has released the positive results of its Phase IIb/III clinical trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of clesrovimab in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease.
During the trial period, clesrovimab met its primary endpoints in both safety and efficacy, and also reduced the prevalence of medically attended lower respiratory infections caused by RSV by day 150.
Merck plans to present further data on the findings at an upcoming scientific congress, as well as liaising with global regulatory authorities on the implementation of clesrovimab in treating infants with RSV.
RSV preventative treatments in infants necessary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes widespread seasonal infection, placing a specific burden on infants and older adults.
There is currently a high unmet need for preventative treatment interventions in all infants, as globally, it’s the leading cause of hospitalisation for healthy infants under one years old.
RSV can result in the development of serious respiratory issues such as pneumonia, which can be fatal for infants and young children.
Senior Vice President of infectious diseases and vaccines at Merck Research Laboratories, Paula Annuziato, stated: “RSV is highly contagious and can cause inflammation in the airways of infants leading to difficulty breathing. As a widespread illness globally, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalisation for healthy infants,”
“We are encouraged by these findings and look forward to working with regulators to provide a new option to help address the impact of RSV on infants and their families."