This Week’s Top 5 Infectious Disease Stories

Unfortunately (but inevitably), infectious disease followed us into 2023.

However, this week’s 5 most-clicked stories, including a potential RSV long-acting antibody and efforts to eliminate hepatitis, prove that exciting treatments and tactics are on the horizon.

1. Molnupiravir Doesn’t Decrease COVID-19 Deaths or Hospitalizations, but May Speed Recovery

Despite failing to meet primary trial endpoints, molnupiravir reduced the length of COVID-19 infection by 4.2 days in vaccinated patients.

2. FDA Accepts BLA for Nirsevimab for RSV Prevention for Infants

Developed by Sanofi and AstraZeneca, the single-dose long-acting antibody was designed to help protect all infants from birth through their first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season.

3. What We Know About XBB.1.5, the New and Highly Contagious Omicron Subvariant

In just a month, the XBB.1.5 variant went from causing 1% to over 40% of new COVID-19 infections.

4. Working Towards Eliminating Hepatitis

Health programs and efforts to inform the public about the importance of sharing liver education can play a major role in prevention as well as patient care.

5. Vaxcyte’s Pneumococcal Vaccine Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation

The 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, VAX-24, met its primary endpoints in a phase 1/2 trial.