Inhalon Biopharma Introduces First-of-its-Kind Inhaled Antibody Therapy for RSV Advancing to Human Trials
Inhalon Biopharma focused on inhaled antibody therapies for acute respiratory infections (ARI), has completed studies required to support an investigational new drug (IND) application for its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) candidate, IN-002.
As part of this initiative, Inhalon has entered into a contract with hVIVO, a contract research organisation specialising in human challenge trials, to conduct a Phase 2a trial.
Inhalon’s technology is designed to deliver antibodies directly to the respiratory tract using a handheld nebuliser. This method enables self-administration at home and may reduce hospital admissions.
Despite the availability of RSV vaccines, their uptake has been lower than anticipated. Current estimates indicate that only around one-third of the originally expected number of individuals will receive immunisation.
Additionally, breakthrough infections occur in 30-50% of immunised patients, posing a significant risk to vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, and older adults. At present, there are no approved treatments for RSV infections, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options.
RSV is a major cause of lower respiratory infections in young children and poses a significant health risk to older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.
The virus affects an estimated 33 million people globally each year, leading to approximately 4 million hospitalisations. It is also linked to around 101,000 deaths annually in children under five years of age.
While new RSV vaccines have been approved in recent years, there remains an unmet need for effective antiviral treatments. The uptake of RSV immunisation has not met expectations, with current projections indicating that only 35% of the originally estimated number of people will receive vaccination. As a result, developing effective therapies for those who contract RSV remains a critical priority.
The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the inhaled antibody therapy.
