ACIP Endorses Clesrovimab for RSV Protection in Infants Under 8 Months

In a pivotal decision, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the use of clesrovimab (Enflonsia), a newly FDA-approved monoclonal antibody, as a protective measure against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for all infants under 8 months who lack maternal immunity. This recommendation, made during the week of June 21-28, 2025, highlights the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable populations from severe RSV disease, which poses significant health risks during the infant's first RSV season.

The ACIP's endorsement of clesrovimab is particularly notable for its strong efficacy profile, demonstrating over a 90% reduction in RSV-related hospitalizations. Additionally, the committee's decision to include this treatment in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program ensures that eligible families will have access to the medication at no cost. Dr. Jennifer McMahon, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "Clesrovimab represents a transformative advancement in the prevention of RSV, a virus that is known to cause significant morbidity and mortality in infants."

Amidst these advancements, the ASM Microbe 2025 conference, held during the same week, addressed the pressing issue of funding for infectious disease research. Dr. Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, Chair of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Science at Texas State University, underscored the detrimental effects of federal research funding freezes on public health careers. He urged the scientific community to seek innovative funding solutions, advocating for partnerships with private foundations and state-level grants. Rohde noted, "While federal agencies like the NIH and NSF are critical, diversifying funding sources is essential for sustaining research and fostering innovation."

In another significant development, researchers have reported that recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI) severely impact patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Dr. Paul Feuerstadt, MD, a gastroenterologist at the University of Connecticut, described the emotional toll of rCDI, equating it to post-traumatic stress. Recent findings from a quality-of-life survey conducted by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the fecal microbiota transplant therapy Rebyota (RBL), revealed that patients treated with RBL reported substantial improvements in mental and physical well-being compared to those receiving a placebo. "The results reinforce the dual benefits of RBL, which not only combats infection but also enhances overall patient wellness," Dr. Feuerstadt stated.

Furthermore, a novel antifungal drug, olorofim, has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients suffering from invasive fungal infections (IFDs), particularly those resistant to existing therapies. In a phase 2b clinical trial, olorofim demonstrated a clinical response in nearly 60% of participants infected with hard-to-treat pathogens such as azole-resistant Aspergillus. Dr. John Rex, MD, Chief Medical Officer at F2G, expressed optimism about the drug's potential, asserting, "Olorofim’s targeted mechanism and oral formulation could provide a valuable option for high-risk patients, but we must remain vigilant against misuse that could lead to resistance."

Lastly, a groundbreaking longitudinal study published in npj Vaccines challenges the necessity of booster doses for children vaccinated against hepatitis B. The research tracked 395 children born to mothers infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) over a span of 5.4 years, revealing no breakthrough infections even among those with antibody levels below the traditional threshold of 10 mIU/mL. The findings suggest that the immune response may be more robust than previously understood, prompting a reevaluation of current vaccination policies. Dr. Emily Harris, a lead researcher on the study, commented, "Our study highlights the importance of understanding long-term immunity, particularly in high-risk populations, which could lead to more efficient vaccination strategies and reduce unnecessary booster doses."

As the field of infectious diseases continues to evolve, these developments underscore the importance of ongoing research, innovative funding strategies, and adapting public health policies to safeguard vulnerable populations.