Four abstracts on RSV and influenza prevention in pediatric health to be presented

MedImmune announced today it will present four abstracts at the 47th Annual Meeting of Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) being held here October 29 through November 1, 2009. These abstracts advance the body of data surrounding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza prevention, highlighting MedImmune's leadership in pediatric health.

"MedImmune is dedicated to conducting ground-breaking research on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza in children," said Alexander A. Zukiwski, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer. "We believe the data being presented at the conference may help advance innovative healthcare solutions for these important causes of respiratory infections in children."

MedImmune abstracts to be presented at IDSA on RSV include:

• Prophylaxis Utilizing Nebulized Motavizumab, a Monoclonal Antibody Against Fusion Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Zhang J, et al. Poster Session: October 30, 2009; 12:30 - 2:00 PM; Poster Hall A / Poster # 608

  BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the primary cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young children, and also causes disease in older adults. This study evaluated the prophylactic use of nebulized motavizumab, an investigational anti-RSV humanized monoclonal antibody against RSV fusion protein, in cotton rats. The findings suggest that prophylaxis with nebulized motavizumab may inhibit RSV infection and spread in the lungs and may provide an alternative to the current intramuscular antibody delivery.

  MedImmune abstracts to be presented at IDSA on influenza include:

• A Postmarketing Evaluation of the Frequency of Use and Safety of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Use in Unapproved Children Less Than 59 Months of Age Tennis P, et al. Poster Session: October 31, 2009; 12:30-2:00 PM; Hall A / Poster #1179

  BACKGROUND: In September 2007, the approval of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) was expanded for use in children between 24 and 59 months in age. The vaccine was not approved for use in children younger than 24 months, or for use in children with asthma or recurrent wheezing, or those with altered immunocompetence. This study evaluates the usage and safety of the vaccine in those patient populations younger than 59 months of age that were not in the approved indication. The study found that healthcare providers appear to be complying with the indications for the use of LAIV in children <5 years, and no adverse safety outcomes were detected in the small number of children in unapproved groups who received the vaccine.

• Whole Genome Transcriptional Analysis of the Early Immune Responses Induced by Live Attenuated and Inactivated Influenza Vaccines in Young Children Zhu W, et al. Poster Session: October 31, 2009; 12:30-2:00 PM; Hall A / Poster #1181

  BACKGROUND: This study examined the early genomic immune response to live attenuated and inactivated vaccines in previously unvaccinated children 12 to 35 months of age. Among LAIV recipients, an increase in interferon (a natural anti-viral immune protein) production was seen, which may partly explain previous clinical study observations of LAIV-induced protection against illness in the first 2 weeks after administration.

• Influenza-Associated Antibiotic Use in Children Receiving Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Compared With Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Belshe R, et al. Poster Session: October 31, 2009; 12:30-2:00 PM; Hall A / Poster #1180

  BACKGROUND: Influenza illness in children commonly results in the unnecessary use of prescription antibiotics. This analysis evaluated the efficacy of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) and trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in preventing antibiotic use in children ranging from six months to 17 years in age. Overall, there was less influenza-associated antibiotic use in LAIV recipients due to a lower rate of culture-confirmed influenza with LAIV.