Triplets in Leicester join research tackling RSV infections
Triplets Mila, Lana and Cara have joined the HARMONIE research study at Patient Recruitment Centre: Leicester, which is looking at protecting babies from serious illness due to RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in all infants worldwide, and affects 90% of children before the age of two. Often RSV causes only mild illnesses, like a cold, but for some babies, it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
The ground breaking HARMONIE study is looking at how strongly babies can be protected from serious illness due to RSV infection, by giving them a single dose of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody immunisation.
Mum, Deepa, explains why she decided to enrol her daughters: “The babies were born premature so at higher risk of RSV. Having the antibody dose, if selected, would give them the extra protection they need. Also, I know that being part of the study would mean helping future babies.”
The study, which is a collaboration between Sanofi, its partner AstraZeneca, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will evaluate the efficacy of nirsevimab. The antibody has recently been approved by both the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The HARMONIE study is open to newborn babies, and babies who are up to 12 months old.
The study will last approximately 12 months and includes a single in person visit, with entirely virtual follow up visits.
Anyone interested in finding out more or signing up can contact the research team at Patient Recruitment Centre: Leicester by emailing: emily.badham@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
