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Scientists believe a new drug could cut hospital admissions among children suffering from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
A study in the USA claims MedImmune’s Numax® (motavizumab) has an 83% success rate compared with a placebo.
In addition, the trial shows a 71% reduction in incidence of RSV-specific lower respiratory infections (LRIs) requiring outpatient management.
Motavizumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody (MAb) which is being evaluated for its potential to prevent serious disease caused by RSV in high-risk paediatric patients.
The phase III trial involved 1,410 children aged six months and under in two Native American populations. In previous medical studies, these groups were shown to be particularly susceptible to RSV.
The randomised, double-blind study was designed to compare monthly intramuscular injections of motavizumab against a placebo.
MedImmune vice-president Genevieve Losonsky said: “We are pleased with the results of this study which support the positive results seen in our phase III pivotal trial comparing motavizumab and Synagis® (palivizumab) that were previously reported at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in May 2007.”
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