Recent advances in the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus in pediatrics

Abstract

Purpose of review Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous virus and the leading cause of pediatric hospitalization in the United States. Prevention strategies are key for reducing the burden of RSV. Several new agents aimed at preventing RSV in infants and children were FDA-approved in 2023, and many more are in the development pipeline. This review highlights new developments in RSV prevention in pediatric patients and the important safety considerations for clinical trials. Recent findings Two new preventive therapies were FDA approved in 2023; a maternal vaccine (Arexvy) and a mAb (Beyfortus) have both demonstrated reduction in medically attended lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children. Evaluation of ongoing clinical trials demonstrates that the field is expanding further to include direct immunization of infants and children utilizing a variety of delivery modalities. While these developments present the optimistic prospect of RSV prevention in a range of ages, acute and long-term risks must be carefully evaluated. Summary Prevention of RSV is more accessible than ever, but careful consideration must be given to risks associated with new and developing prevention strategies. Rigor of clinical trials including longitudinal outcomes of agents in development and postmarketing surveillance of newly approved therapies will be of paramount importance to ensure long-term safety of new RSV prevention strategies.