Nirsevimab is safe and highly effective, demonstrating over 80% efficacy against RSV lower respiratory tract infections and 90% effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations in infants.
Universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab demonstrates high real-world effectiveness in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations, supporting its inclusion in national immunization programs.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-mediated bronchiolitis causes a significant global health burden. Despite this, for several years, the only approved agent for RSV prophylaxis was the anti-RSV monoclonal antibody Palivizumab, reserved for a small population of infants at high risk of developing severe RSV disease. Recently, the availability and approval of nirsevimab to immunize all infants against RSV infection since their first RSV season represented a crucial paradigm shift in RSV prevention. Nirsevimab has been shown to be safe and effective (> 80%) against RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in all infants and children at their first season of RSV. Surveillance studies have demonstrated 90% effectiveness in reducing all-cause hospitalizations, all-cause LRTI hospitalizations, RSV-related LRTI hospitalizations, and severe RSV-related LRTIs. Moreover, the consistency and reproducibility of the beneficial outcomes coming from the prophylaxis with nirsevimab highlights its potential to deliver substantial health benefits, positioning monoclonal antibody administration as a cornerstone in the fight against RSV-related morbidity and mortality. Implementing immunization strategies for infants and children is crucial to align the international experiences and guarantee universal protection. This review provided an updated overview of the monoclonal antibody strategy for preventing RSV infection.
Manti et al. (Tue,) conducted a review in Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Nirsevimab vs. Placebo, standard care, or palivizumab was evaluated on RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and hospitalizations. Nirsevimab is safe and highly effective, demonstrating over 80% efficacy against RSV lower respiratory tract infections and 90% effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations in infants.