As US measles cases rise, biotech firms start developing new treatments
Summary
Measles cases in the US have reached the highest level in 35 years due to lower vaccination rates. Biotech companies and researchers are now starting to develop new treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, to protect and help infected patients, but these treatments will take years to become available.Key Facts
- Measles outbreaks have increased, with the US surpassing last year’s total cases by July.
- Vaccination rates have dropped below the 95% needed to protect vulnerable people.
- Measles can cause serious complications like pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage, especially in young children.
- Current care focuses on managing symptoms, as no specific treatment exists for measles.
- Some biotech firms, like Invivyd, are developing monoclonal antibodies to fight measles.
- Monoclonal antibodies mimic the immune system’s natural disease-fighting proteins and can offer short-term protection.
- Clinical trials for measles antibodies have not started yet, and they require FDA approval and significant funding.
- Making and testing these treatments is costly, and pharmaceutical companies might hesitate due to limited profits from infectious disease drugs.
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