Trial studies two-in-one vaccine to prevent RSV and hMPV
15/07/2024
Scientists at the University of Oxford have launched a study to test two investigational mRNA vaccines for respiratory infections in infants.
One of the vaccines is for both respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), while the second is for RSV alone. The vaccines are being developed by Moderna.
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust is one of seven sites participating in the trial.
Globally, RSV infects up to 90 percent of children within the first two years of life and frequently reinfects older children and adults. For most people, RSV causes a mild respiratory illness; however in some infants, RSV can cause bronchiolitis, which leads to inflammation of the small airways and significant breathing difficulties.
In the UK approximately one in 50 children is admitted to hospital due to RSV infections before their first birthday. Closely related to RSV, hMPV is a respiratory pathogen, associated with a range of illnesses, from mild infection to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Dr Simon Drysdale, Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Principal Investigator on the study said: “RSV and hMPV are two of the leading causes of respiratory infections in children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients worldwide. This trial is an important early step in the development of a paediatric vaccine against RSV and hMPV.”
mRNA vaccines work by using a small piece of messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. The immune system retains a memory of this protein, so if the person is later exposed to the actual virus, their body can quickly recognise and combat it.
This is the first time a vaccine has been created to potentially combat RSV and hMPV together, both of which can cause severe infection and painful symptoms.
The Rhyme study is looking to enrol approximately 60 paediatric participants between five and eight months old. Each participant will receive three injections, 56 days apart and the total length of participation is expected to be approximately 24 months.
As well as OUH, the sites participating in the trial are:
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
The Rhyme study is sponsored by Moderna and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands.
For further information and to participate visit: Rhyme | Trials - Oxford Vaccine Group