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RSV infection is the most important cause of hospitalisation in infants and one of the leading global causes of infant mortality and as such its prevention through immunisation is a public health priority.

In the UK RSV accounts for approximately 450,000 GP appointments, 29,000 hospitalisations and 83 deaths per year in children and adolescents, the majority in infants. It also has a major impact on elderly adults; 175,000 GP appointments, 14,000 hospitalisations and 8,000 deaths per year in the UK.

There are currently no specific treatments for RSV infection and the management is purely supportive (oxygen supplementation and feeding support for infants). RSV monoclonal antibodies including palivizumab and motavizumab are available as prophylaxis against severe RSV infection, however, they are currently only used in a tiny proportion of people due to their extremely high cost and need for a monthly injection and there is currently no licensed vaccine.

The aim of our research is to reduce the burden of severe RSV disease in vulnerable populations (infants and elderly adults) by:

1. Identifying biomarkers to predict who will develop severe RSV disease

2. Participating in clinical trials of immunisations and treatments for RSV infection

3. Assessing clinical management of infants with RSV infection

Laboratory Research

“Analysis of the immune response to RSV infection in children and adults”

The laboratory also provides support including serology, cellular immunology, genetics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics for all the clinical studies.

Completed Clinical Research

“Safety and immunogenicity of novel RSV vaccines based on the RSV viral proteins F, N and M2-1 encoded by simian adenovirus (PanAd3-RSV) and MVA (MVA-RSV); protocol for an open-label, dose-escalation, single-centre, phase 1 clinical trial in healthy adults”.

Ongoing Clinical Research

“REspiratory Syncytial virus Consortium in EUrope (RESCEU)”- identifying biomarkers that predict severe RSV infection.

“A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, 2-Part Study of Orally Administered ALS-008176 to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Single Ascending Dosing and Multiple Ascending Dosing in Infants Hospitalized with RSV Infection”

“A Phase I, randomised, observer-blind, controlled study to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals’ respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) investigational vaccine based on the RSV viral proteins F, N and M2-1 encoded by chimpanzee-derived adenovector (ChAd155-RSV) (GSK3389245A), when administered intramuscularly according to a 0, 1 month schedule to healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years”

“A Phase 3, Randomized, Observer-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Group-Sequential Study to Determine the Immunogenicity and Safety of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) F Nanoparticle Vaccine with Aluminum in Healthy Third-trimester Pregnant Women; and Safety and Efficacy of Maternally Transferred Antibodies in Preventing RSV Disease in their Infants”.

“A Phase 2b Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of MEDI8897, a Monoclonal Antibody With an Extended Half-life Against RSV, in Healthy Preterm Infants”.

“Management of viral bronchiolitis in infancy in primary and secondary care study”

Our team