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(Adds details of the report in paragraphs 4,6,7, as well as general information)
AstraZeneca’s antibody treatment
AZN.L and Sanofi SASY.PA were 90% effective in protecting infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related hospitalizations, according to a US CDC study.
These data represent the first real evidence of the effectiveness of the treatment, nirsevimab, in protecting infants from RSV-related hospitalizations during their first season of potential exposure to the virus.
The treatment, marketed under the name Beyfortus, was approved by the American health regulatory authority in July 2023.
Although data available for analysis are limited, the CDC said early estimates support the current recommendation for use in infants.
In August, the CDC recommended use of the treatment in infants younger than eight months born during or entering the first RSV season, as well as in children ages 8 to 19 months who remain vulnerable to severe illness due to RSV during their second season.
The study included nearly 700 infants hospitalized for an acute respiratory illness, between October 2023 and February 2024. Among them, 8% received treatment more than 7 days or 7 days before the appearance of symptoms.
The results also reflect a shorter monitoring period due to the product’s introduction in August 2023, the agency said, as well as a limited supply of the therapy.
With availability increasing, the CDC said it will continue to evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness over an entire season.
Pfizer PFE.N’s maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is also available for prevention in young infants.
RSV, a common respiratory virus, is a leading cause of hospitalization among infants.