Leading cause of childhood hospitalisations revealed, Sanofi joins health professionals’ call for action

Pharma News: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been identified as the primary reason for hospitalisations among Australian children under the age of five according to a new report. The highly contagious seasonal virus, which remains unfamiliar to many parents, is projected to result in nearly 12,000 hospital admissions this year alone, amounting to a staggering cost of almost $200 million.

The report’s findings highlight the significant toll RSV exacts on Australia’s healthcare system and families each year. Among infants aged less than 12 months, RSV is responsible for approximately 11,968 hospitalisations, mainly due to severe lung infections. Shockingly, this number jumps to 15,864 for children under the age of five, which is up to eight times higher than hospitalisations caused by seasonal influenza in the same age group. Hospital stays for these young children average three days, with approximately one in four requiring intensive care.

The report, funded by Sanofi Australia and independently developed by Evohealth and an expert Advisory Committee consisting of distinguished professionals in the field, highlights the likelihood that these figures underestimate the true impact of RSV-related hospitalisations among Australian children. Moreover, it emphasises the persistent lack of awareness surrounding RSV within the Australian community.

While it is almost certain that nearly all children will contract RSV by the age of two, resulting in mild illness, severe cases can lead to conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring critical medical care. Recognising the urgency to address this growing issue, Sanofi and AstraZeneca* have jointly developed Beyfortus (nirsevimab), a single-dose passive immunisation intended to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants under 12 months of age. The therapy is currently undergoing review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to secure approval for protecting infants during their first winter season.

Clinical trials, including Phase 3 MELODY, Phase 2/3 MEDLEY, and Phase 2b trials, have demonstrated consistent protection rates of approximately 80% against medically attended RSV disease with just one dose of Beyfortus.

Professor Terry Nolan, a prominent paediatrician and clinical epidemiologist, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The Gardasil vaccine was the beginning of a new era for HPV in Australia. I really have that same sense of excitement now with RSV. We are on the threshold of a range of opportunities to do something about preventing RSV infections and disease that we haven’t had before.”

The report also sheds light on the long-term health complications associated with severe RSV infections, such as recurrent wheezing, respiratory symptoms, clinical allergies, and sensitisation to perennial allergens. These long-term effects emphasise the need for proactive measures to address RSV and its potential consequences.

A/Professor Hannah Moore, Telethon Kids Institute and Curtin University, said “There is a substantial burden of RSV in the population which is disproportionately born by infants and young children. We now have prevention tools that are close to market, and we need to make sure we have the best data possible to ensure we can target these interventions and reduce the significant burden of RSV.”

The report presents four key recommendations for federal, state, and territory governments to adopt. Firstly, increasing targeted surveillance of RSV through sentinel surveillance programs in primary and tertiary care settings will enable a comprehensive understanding of its impact. Secondly, creating a national evidence base to accurately quantify the true burden of RSV in terms of incidence and hospitalisations will provide crucial insights for effective planning and response.

Moreover, the development of a national strategy focused on reducing the burden of RSV in infants and children should be a priority, with careful consideration given to future preventive measures. Lastly, a targeted and tailored RSV awareness campaign is necessary to empower parents, caregivers, and the clinical community to make informed decisions regarding RSV testing and management.

As awareness grows and stories like that of Katherine Kieran’s baby, Hazel, come to light, families affected by severe RSV infections are highlighting the perils associated with the virus. Hazel’s harrowing experience, including emergency alerts, CPR, and days spent on a ventilator and CPAP machine, serves as a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences RSV can pose to vulnerable infants.

The report not only calls for immediate action but also underscores the pressing need to prioritise RSV surveillance, invest in preventive measures, and ensure comprehensive public health planning. By taking these steps, Australia can strive to protect its youngest citizens from the devastating impact of RSV, saving lives, improving healthcare outcomes, and fostering a healthier future for generations to come.

*While AstraZeneca spearheads the development and manufacturing activities for nirsevimab, Sanofi leads the commercialisation efforts.

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