New RSV Antibody Offers Infants Protection

A novel antibody, clesrovimab, could revolutionize infant health, offering robust protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CDC’s recommendation and the inclusion in the Vaccines for Children program mean affordable access, potentially saving tens of thousands from RSV-related healthcare visits.

RSV Prevention for Infants

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends clesrovimab (Enflonsia) for all infants under eight months without maternal RSV protection during their first RSV season. This single-dose monoclonal antibody, recently approved by the FDA, demonstrated over 90% effectiveness in curtailing RSV-related hospitalizations. Also, it’s included in the VFC program, increasing accessibility.

Funding Challenges in Research

Rodney E Rohde, PhD, brought to light the challenges of securing research funding, specifically emphasizing how federal research funding freezes threaten careers, particularly among budding scientists. He pointed out the importance of investigating alternatives to traditional sources, including partnerships with local institutions. Rohde remains optimistic that grant competition will spark innovation in the life sciences.

Improving Life with Recurrent Infections

Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) significantly impacts the quality of life, instilling anxiety and fear of relapse in patients. Dr. Paul Feuerstadt notes the emotional toll of rCDI and highlights the FDA-approved fecal microbiota, live-jslm (Rebyota [RBL]), which has been in use for over two years. Studies show significant improvements in mental, physical, and social well-being for patients responding to RBL.

New Antifungal Drug Shows Promise

The new antifungal drug, olorofim, shows strong efficacy and safety in treating life-threatening invasive fungal infections (IFDs), especially in those patients with limited treatment options due to resistance. In a phase 2b trial, the drug achieved a clinical response in nearly 60% of the participants by day 42. Dr. John Rex, chief medical officer at F2G, emphasized the drug’s targeted mechanism and oral formulation, noting its potential as a long-term option for high-risk fungal infections, while also cautioning against future misuse.

Hepatitis B Immunity in Vaccinated Children

A new study published in npj Vaccines suggests children vaccinated against hepatitis B are protected even with antibody levels below the traditional threshold of 10 mIU/mL. Researchers followed 395 children born to HBV-infected mothers and found no breakthrough infections, even among those with low or declining antibody levels. These findings might prompt reevaluation of current hepatitis B vaccination policies.

According to the CDC, RSV leads to around 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations among children under the age of 5 each year (CDC 2024).