NanoBio RSV Program

Early preclinical studies with mice vaccinated with NanoStat-inactivated RSV virus have been promising, showing production of γ-interferon and a RSV-specific T cell response.  Additional studies are underway to determine the specificity of the immune response and to test for protection against subsequent RSV challenge as well as abrogation of the persistent disease characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness and mucus production.  The vaccine is envisioned as effective in patients with chronic pulmonary disease, including RSV-induced pulmonary disease, viral exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung and bone marrow transplant patients, and patients with asthma.

About RSV

The US Center for Disease Control reports that RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children under 1 year of age. Illness begins most frequently with fever, runny nose, cough, and sometimes wheezing. During their first RSV infection, between 25% and 40% of infants and young children have signs or symptoms of bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and 0.5% to 2% require hospitalization. Most children recover from illness in 8 to 15 days. The majority of children hospitalized for RSV infection are under 6 months of age.  The disease is particularly prevalent and dangerous for premature babies and in the elderly. 

Datamoinitor estimates that a total of 18 million people annually become infected by RSV in the seven major global markets. 

RSV also causes repeated infections throughout life, usually associated with moderate-to-severe cold-like symptoms; however, severe lower respiratory tract disease may occur at any age, especially among the elderly or among those with compromised cardiac, pulmonary, or immune systems.

A vaccine would mean a big step forward in the prevention of hospitalizations and deaths as at this time as there is no RSV vaccine commercially available.