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Published on: January 26, 2019
Expected Impact of Universal Immunization With Nirsevimab Against RSV-Related Outcomes and Costs Among All US Infants
Alexia Kieffer1, Matthieu Beuvelet1, Aditya Sardesai2
1Sanofi, Lyon, France.
Insights
Nirsevimab could significantly reduce respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses and costs in infants. Universal immunization offers substantial health and economic benefits for all newborns during their first RSV season.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant illness in US infants.
- Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, is being studied for infant immunoprophylaxis.
- The study assesses nirsevimab's impact on RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness (RSV-MALRTI) and related costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the impact of nirsevimab on RSV-related health outcomes and costs in US infants.
- To evaluate nirsevimab as an immunoprophylactic strategy for the first RSV season.
- To estimate the economic burden reduction associated with nirsevimab use.
Main Methods:
- A decision-analytic model of the US birth cohort was developed.
- The model incorporated US-specific epidemiological data and costs.
- Outcomes included RSV-MALRTI, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation, and mortality.
Main Results:
- RSV causes 529,915 RSV-MALRTIs and 47,281 hospitalizations annually, costing $1.2 billion.
- Universal nirsevimab immunization could reduce RSV-MALRTI by 290,174 and hospitalizations by 24,986.
- This strategy is projected to save $612 million in healthcare expenditures.
Conclusions:
- An all-infant immunization strategy with nirsevimab can substantially decrease the health and economic burden of RSV in US infants.
- The benefits extend to all infants, including term, preterm, and palivizumab-eligible infants.
- Nirsevimab represents a promising approach to mitigate RSV's impact during the critical first season.
Background:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is associated with substantial morbidity in the United States, especially among infants. Nirsevimab, an investigational long-acting monoclonal antibody, was evaluated as an immunoprophylactic strategy for infants in their first RSV season and for its potential impact on RSV-associated, medically attended lower respiratory tract illness (RSV-MALRTI) and associated costs.
Methods:
A static decision-analytic model of the US birth cohort during its first RSV season was developed to estimate nirsevimab's impact on RSV-related health events and costs; model inputs included US-specific costs and epidemiological data. Modelled RSV-related outcomes included primary care and emergency room visits, hospitalizations including intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilations, and RSV-related mortality.
Results:
Under current standard of care, RSV caused 529 915 RSV-MALRTIs and 47 281 hospitalizations annually, representing $1.2 billion (2021 US dollars [USD]) in costs. Universal immunization of all infants with nirsevimab is expected to reduce 290 174 RSV-MALRTI, 24 986 hospitalizations, and expenditures of $612 million 2021 USD.
Conclusions:
An all-infant immunization strategy with nirsevimab could substantially reduce the health and economic burden for US infants during their first RSV season. While this reduction is driven by term infants, all infants, including palivizumab-eligible and preterm infants, would benefit from this strategy.
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