(Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC on Monday said patient dosing has started in a phase three trial investigating the safety and efficacy of its Respiratory Syncytial Virus candidate vaccine for maternal immunisation.
GSK said it is estimated that every year, 33 million cases of RSV occur in children less than 5 years old. RSA is a leading cause of respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia in infants and, currently, there is no vaccine available for RSV.
A phase 1/2 study showed the candidate vaccine was well-tolerated and able to "rapidly boost" pre-existing immunity in non-pregnant women, leading to a high level of protecting neutralising antibodies. First data in pregnant women are expected to be presented in 2021.
"RSV burden is high amongst young infants – a vaccine which protects them from birth would represent significant progress in addressing the burden of RSV, preventing infant illness and families' distress, as well as reducing the associated burden for society," said Emmanuel Hanon, senior vice president and head of Vaccines R&D for GSK.
Shares in GSK were down 1.2% at 1,376.40 pence in London on Monday.
By Lucy Heming; lucyheming@alliancenews.com
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