The syncitial respiratory virus (VRS) is responsible for respiratory infections in newborns and infants who can turn into bronchiolitis. Which may, in some cases, cause severe complications.
A major study, analyzing the data of 27 studies carried out during the 2023-2024 season in five countries (France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and United States), demonstrates that Beyfortus, preventive treatment by monoclonal antibody (a protein designed in the laboratory which imitates the capacity of the immune system to fight viruses), considerably reduces the risks of hospitalization linked to VRS.
Particularly encouraging results
The figures are eloquent: the nirsevimab decreases by 83 % the risk of hospitalization due to the Vrs, 81 % intensive care admission and 75 % lower respiratory tract infections in children under one year. Its effectiveness is slightly higher in infants over 3 months (81 %) compared to the youngest (76 %).
Study authors point out that these results reinforce the use of nirsevimab as an essential intervention to prevent serious forms of VRS in infants. However, they specify that the studies included were observational, which could introduce certain biases linked to factors such as underlying health conditions, socio-economic status or regional differences in access to care.
Note : Beyfortus prevents the VRS virus from infecting the body by neutralizing it and protects newborns and infants in a few days after injection. A single injection is necessary.
