Molecular and phenotypic characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus isolates recovered from medically vulnerable children: An exploratory analysis of a phase 2/3 randomized, double-blind, palivizumab-controlled trial of nirsevimab (MEDLEY)

Vaccine. 2024 Oct 24;42(24):126276. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126276. Epub 2024 Sep 5.

Abstract

Background: Nirsevimab is an extended half-life monoclonal antibody (mAb) licensed for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract disease in neonates, infants and medically vulnerable children. We characterized RSV isolates recovered from participants enrolled in MEDLEY: a randomized, palivizumab-controlled phase 2/3 trial of nirsevimab in infants born preterm and/or with congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease of prematurity.

Methods: Participants were assessed in two RSV seasons (Season 1 and 2). Season 1 participants were randomized (2:1) to receive a single dose of nirsevimab (50 mg if weight <5 kg or 100 mg if weight ≥5 kg in Season 1; 200 mg in Season 2) followed by four monthly doses of placebo, or five once-monthly doses of palivizumab (15 mg/kg weight per dose). Season 2 participants continued nirsevimab and placebo (nirsevimab/nirsevimab) or were re-randomized (1:1) to switch to nirsevimab (palivizumab/nirsevimab) or continue palivizumab (palivizumab/palivizumab). Cases of RSV infection were identified by central testing of nasal swabs from participants seeking medical attention for respiratory illnesses. Nirsevimab and palivizumab binding site substitutions were assessed via microneutralization assay.

Results: Twenty-five cases of confirmed RSV infection were observed during the trial and sequenced: 12 in nirsevimab recipients and 10 in palivizumab recipients during Season 1, and 1 case in each Season 2 group. Molecular sequencing of RSV A (n = 14) isolates detected no nirsevimab binding site substitutions, and 3 palivizumab neutralization-resistant substitutions (Lys272Met, Lys272Thr, Ser275Leu). The nirsevimab binding site Ile206Met:Gln209Arg and Ile206Met:Gln209Arg:Ser211Asn substitutions were the only anti-RSV mAb binding site substitutions detected among RSV B isolates (n = 11). Nirsevimab neutralized all nirsevimab and palivizumab binding site substitutions in RSV A and B isolates recovered from MEDLEY participants.

Conclusion: No binding site substitution detected during MEDLEY affected RSV susceptibility to nirsevimab neutralization.

Keywords: Anti-RSV F protein monoclonal antibody; Nirsevimab; Palivizumab; RSV immunization; Respiratory syncytial virus.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Clinical Trial, Phase III

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / immunology
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Antiviral Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Palivizumab* / administration & dosage
  • Palivizumab* / therapeutic use
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human* / drug effects
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human* / genetics
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human* / immunology

Substances

  • Palivizumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antiviral Agents
  • nirsevimab
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing