Sanofi Pasteur and MedImmune announce new RSV research alliance

Sanofi Pasteur has announced a new partnership with MedImmune that will focus on the development of a new treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The vaccines business unit of Sanofi will partner with the biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca to develop and commercialise a monoclonal antibody called MEDI8897 for the prevention of RSV-associated illness in newborns and infants.

This highly potent antibody has been shown to neutralise RSV and has been engineered to offer a long half-life, meaning only one dose would be needed for the entire RSV season. It is being developed for the passive immunisation of the infant population.

MEDI8897 is currently being investigated in a phase IIb study in preterm infants, with a phase III trial involving healthy full-term infants currently being planned.

David Loew, Sanofi's executive vice-president and head of Sanofi Pasteur, said: "We look forward to working with MedImmune to offer a solution to this common lower respiratory disease when infants are most vulnerable."

RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children younger than one year of age worldwide.

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