A New York mother, Cheryl Meany, recently shared her experience of enrolling her twins in a clinical trial for a new treatment against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common childhood respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications. The new treatment, called Beyfortus, delivers long-acting antibodies to lower the risk of contracting RSV.
Meany’s decision to enroll her twins, Cassidy and Stella, in the clinical trial came after discussions with Dr. Joe Domachowske, a pediatrician at Upstate University Hospital and a researcher working on Beyfortus. Despite some initial apprehension, Meany was reassured by Dr. Domachowske’s involvement in the treatment’s development and his personal endorsement of it for his own children.
The clinical trial involved injecting the treatment into Meany’s twins, who were born prematurely and at risk for severe complications from RSV. The trial was placebo-controlled and double-blind, with Meany only discovering that her daughters received the actual treatment when they turned five years old. Meany observed that her daughters had minimal illnesses during their first year of life, leading her to believe that they had received Beyfortus.
Meany emphasizes the importance of clinical trials and encourages other parents to consider participating. She believes that by enrolling her children, she not only helped them but also contributed to saving lives and preventing parents from witnessing the respiratory distress caused by RSV. Meany’s children have since participated in another trial, this time for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
RSV is a common respiratory virus, with nearly all children contracting it before their second birthday. While most cases result in mild symptoms, it can lead to severe complications in infants and older adults. Premature babies and children with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Beyfortus is not a vaccine but a preventative treatment that provides passive immunity through long-acting antibodies. This treatment is considered a game-changer as it bypasses the need for the immune system to develop its own antibodies. Beyfortus can help prevent severe outcomes for at-risk children and protect vulnerable individuals who come into contact with them.
Parents can find information about ongoing clinical trials on the National Institutes of Health’s website. While there are risks associated with participating in trials, such as unknown side effects or complications, Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease expert, highlights the importance of clinical trials in advancing medicine.