MHRA (UK) approves Enflonsia (clesrovimab-cfor) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in newborns and infants – Merck

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has  approved the medicine Enflonsia (clesrovimab-cfor) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants up to 12 months of age throughout their first RSV season.

RSV is a common and highly contagious seasonal illness that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold and can also affect the lungs. Almost all children get an RSV infection before they are two years old. RSV can lead to life-threatening pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis (a lung infection).

The active ingredient in Enflonsia, clesrovimab, is an antibody (a protein that helps the body to fight harmful germs) that helps prevent lung disease caused by RSV.

Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said:  “It’s important that we do our best to protect our newborn babies and infants especially throughout RSV season. “Part of this is enabling access to high quality, safe and effective medical products are key priorities for us.  “As with any medicine, the MHRA will continue to closely monitor the safety and effectiveness of clesrovimab.”

Clesrovimab is a single injection administered once by a healthcare professional.

The most common side effects associated with this medicine include pain, swelling, redness, or rashes at the injection site.