Background
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children, with no effective therapy currently available. AK0529, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable RSV F protein inhibitor, has shown promise in preclinical studies.
Methods
This Phase 2 study involved infants aged 1-24 months hospitalized with RSV infection. The study was divided into two parts: Part 1 assessed single doses of AK0529 up to 4 mg/kg or placebo, while Part 2 evaluated multiple doses of AK0529 at 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg bid or placebo for 5 days. Safety, tolerability, viral load, and respiratory signs and symptoms were assessed daily.
Results
AK0529 was well tolerated, with no significant safety or tolerability issues detected. The 2 mg/kg bid dosage achieved targeted drug exposure, leading to a numerically greater reduction in median viral load and a significant reduction in Wang Respiratory Score compared to placebo. Specifically, a -4.0 median reduction in Wang Respiratory Score was observed in the 2 mg/kg group, compared to -2.0 in the placebo group.
Conclusions
The study supports the favorable safety profile of AK0529 and its potential efficacy in reducing viral load and improving clinical symptoms in RSV-infected infants. The results warrant further clinical investigation of AK0529 as a treatment for RSV infection in young children.
Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02654171.
