A Review of Therapeutics in Clinical Development for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza in Children

Abstract

Purpose: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are important viral pathogens worldwide. Children, in particular, bear considerable burdens of morbidity and mortality associated with these viruses. There are limited therapeutic options for children infected with RSV or influenza. This review focuses on therapeutics for RSV and influenza that are currently under clinical investigation.

Methods: This study used a systematic approach to identify prospective therapeutics in clinical trials and briefly reviewed those that are currently available for use in adults and children.

Findings: Overall, we found 14 investigational drugs currently in clinical trials for RSV and 20 investigation drugs currently in clinical trials for influenza. These candidates range in development from Phase I to Phase III clinical trials.

Implications: Both RSV and influenza are targets for active therapeutic research, and promising candidates for both viruses are currently in clinical development.

Keywords: RSV; antivirals; influenza; novel; treatment.