Merck's Clesrovimab Shows Promising Results in RSV Prevention for Infants
Clesrovimab, an investigational monoclonal antibody developed by Merck, has shown significant efficacy in preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections among infants in a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. The study revealed that clesrovimab reduced RSV incidence by 60% and hospitalizations related to RSV by up to 91% compared to placebo[1][3]. It targets infants during their first RSV season with a single dose, achieving a remarkable reduction in both general RSV-associated hospitalizations and those due to lower respiratory infections[2]. Notably, no serious adverse events were reported, indicating a safety profile comparable to existing treatments[2][3].
References
- Merck antibody reduces RSV-related disease, hospitalizations in trial
- Merck’s Clesrovimab (MK-1654), an Investigational Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventative Monoclonal Antibody, Significantly Reduced Incidence of RSV Disease and Hospitalization in Healthy Preterm and Full-term Infants
- With trial win, Merck's RSV antibody clesrovimab looks poised to take on Sanofi and AZ's Beyfortus
Explore Further
What are the next steps for Merck to achieve FDA approval for clesrovimab?
How does clesrovimab's mode of action differ from Beyfortus in treating RSV?
What were the specific criteria used to assess the safety profile of clesrovimab in the trials?
How might clesrovimab's introduction impact the market for existing RSV treatments like Synagis and Beyfortus?
What are the potential challenges Merck might face before clesrovimab is approved for the 2025-2026 RSV season?