Invivyd, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVVD) has initiated a discovery program for a measles monoclonal antibody (mAb) in response to direct inquiries from healthcare providers managing active measles cases and outbreaks. The program aims to address a significant therapeutic gap, as there are currently no approved treatments for measles infection or post-exposure prophylaxis.
The measles antibody program joins Invivyd's existing discovery pipeline, which includes next-generation monoclonal antibodies targeting COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. The company's approach focuses on developing mAbs designed to treat acute viral infections or provide alternatives to vaccination.
Current Measles Treatment Landscape
Clinicians currently face severely limited options when treating measles patients. High-dose Vitamin A, while useful for supporting recovery in vitamin-deficient children, carries hepatotoxicity risks. The alternative—intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)—consists of pooled donor antibodies that lack standardization and are poorly suited for widespread deployment.
While measles vaccines remain highly effective at preventing infection, they have limitations for post-exposure prophylaxis. More concerning is the growing population of unvaccinated individuals in the United States—now exceeding 20 million—due to healthcare access barriers or personal objections to vaccination.
Dr. Michael Mina, MD, PhD, an infectious disease and vaccination expert formerly at Harvard University School of Public Health, emphasized the growing need: "Despite effective vaccines, measles outbreaks are increasing globally, including in the U.S. where our elimination status is at risk. With over 20 million unvaccinated Americans in the U.S., and hundreds of millions globally, the burden of measles is high and poised to get worse. There is a huge need for effective treatments."
Clinical Significance of Measles Infection
Measles infection presents with varying severity, from fever to potentially fatal complications. One in four infections leads to hospitalization, and one in 1,000 cases results in death. The virus also causes "immunological amnesia" by deleting immune memory cells, increasing susceptibility to other infections for years after recovery.
In rare cases (approximately 1 in a few thousand), measles can trigger subacute sclerosing panencephalitis—a 100% fatal deterioration of brain tissue that typically manifests 7-10 years after the initial infection.
Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlights the potentially enormous health consequences associated with declining vaccination rates and the reestablishment of previously controlled pathogens like measles.
Advantages of a Monoclonal Antibody Approach
Dr. Mina outlined several advantages of a monoclonal antibody approach for measles: "A monoclonal antibody is a particularly attractive therapeutic option for many reasons: antibodies against measles can be highly neutralizing and thus able to rapidly stop infection; they can avoid toxicities and drug-drug interactions that accompany small molecule approaches; and, finally, monoclonal antibodies can serve as a critical prophylaxis tool for at-risk populations."
Beyond treating active infections, a measles mAb could provide crucial pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for vulnerable groups, including:
- Children too young for vaccination
- Immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive vaccines
- Elderly people with waning immune protection
- Unvaccinated individuals during outbreak scenarios
Development Timeline and Strategy
Marc Elia, Chairman of Invivyd's Board of Directors, described the strategic fit: "Measles (rubeola) is an important potential therapeutic target and an excellent fit with our integrated capabilities in antibody discovery, development, and commercialization. Our goal is to discover and develop a safe, convenient, highly effective mAb against measles with a best-in-class profile that can be easily adopted in contemporary clinical practice."
Invivyd aims to identify a preclinical measles mAb candidate in 2025, with a progress update expected by the end of this year. The company's approach leverages its proprietary integrated technology platform, which is designed to assess, monitor, develop, and adapt antibodies against viral targets.
In March 2024, Invivyd received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. FDA for a monoclonal antibody in its pipeline, demonstrating the company's capability to advance candidates through regulatory pathways.
Broader Public Health Implications
The development of an effective measles mAb could significantly impact public health strategies for managing outbreaks and potentially accelerate the pathway to functional eradication of measles. As vaccination rates continue to decline in some populations, therapeutic interventions may become increasingly important components of comprehensive disease control strategies.
The company's initiative represents a pharmaceutical response to changing epidemiological patterns and healthcare needs in an era of evolving attitudes toward vaccination and increasing global mobility that facilitates disease spread.
