RSV Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies in Development

Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Natural infection offers limited protection against reinfection. Passive immunization with RSV-specific antibody can protect infants against severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). This suggests that vaccine-induced antibody could benefit infants and therefore supports maternal vaccination as a potential strategy for protecting young infants. The duration of such protection will dictate the need and timing for additional infant vaccines which are under development. For high-risk groups of passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies continues to be standard approach. With novel monoclonal antibodies that have a longer half-life and lower cost the strategy may be extended to healthy infants.