The Impact of Clinical Trials on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
At Simbec-Orion, we bring nearly 50 years of experience as a Clinical Research Organisation focused on oncology and rare diseases.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects lungs and airways leading to coughs and colds. In most cases it will clear after a few weeks, but can become serious in young children, babies and older adults.
What are the Symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
- A runny or blocked nose.
- A cough.
- Sneezing.
- Tiredness.
- A high temperature
Types of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
There are two strains of RSV; Strain A and Strain B.
RSV-A
Some studies suggest that Strain A is a more severe form of the disease especially in older adults and children which can lead to a higher increase of hospitalisations. However further research is needed for more conclusive evidence.
Whilst RSV-A and RSV-B are genetically distinct from one another they are closely related. The biggest difference between the two strains are in the G protein, which helps the virus attach to cells. RSV-A has a shorter G protein.
RSV-B
RSV-B has a longer g protein with more variability than RSV-A. One version of RSV-B, referred to as the “BA genotype,” has a small change in one of its surface proteins that makes it better at avoiding the immune system. It is because of this that RSV-B can keep spreading even if people have had RSV before. RSV-B usually causes mild illness in healthy people, especially adults and older children.
It often causes a cold, with symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or mild fever. However, similar to RSV-A this strain can also lead to more serious illness in older adults, young children and babies.
Understanding RSV: Seasons, Strains, and Health Risks
RSV is a seasonal virus and dominates more in the cooler seasons, but it is either RSV-A or RSV-B which dominate each season. The dominant strain can alternate year on year and may vary depending on region.
Both strains trigger an immune response but an infection with one doesn’t guarantee shielding from the other due to their genetic differences. Reinfections with the same disease are common especially in children.
However if RSV does become more severe it can develop into pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can lead to the following symptoms:
- Difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite
- Shortness of breathe/wheezing
- A cough that worsens
How Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Can Affect Everyday Life
Living with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can be different depending on your age and overall health. In most cases RSV in adults causes cold-like symptoms such as tiredness, cough and a runny nose but can take on a more serious form. However for infants and young children the virus can cause sleep disruptions, worsening symptoms and poor feeding. In these circumstances it is important to take the child to see the doctor.
Similarly in older adults and those with underlying issues, RSV can lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia or worsen existing health issues such as asthma or heart disease. This can impact recovery times, hospital stays and reduced ability to carry out daily tasks, so it is imperative you contact your doctor if symptoms persist after two weeks.
Current treatments and vaccines for RSV
Whilst there is not currently a specific cure for RSV, there are many at home remedies aimed at treating it including:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Fever medicine
In severe cases, especially in infants, treatments may include:
- Oxygen
- Hospital care
Whilst there are currently no regular vaccines, there are ways to prevent contracting the virus including:
- Nirsevimab: a one-time shot to protect babies during RSV season
- Palivizumab: for high-risk babies (monthly shots during RSV season)
- Vaccines for older adults: newly available to prevent serious illness
Always speak to your doctor first.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Awareness Month 2025
Coinciding with the start of the RSV season, awareness month begins in October. Campaigns and events are hosted throughout the month, aiming to raise awareness for the public, especially parents, about RSV and its potential dangers particularly for older adults, children and infants. Organisations such as ReSViNET offer webinars and resources that may also be useful for those wanting more information on the disease.
How Clinical Trials Help Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Research
Clinical trials are essential in the developments of treatments and vaccines for RSV. Studies offer a structured and controlled environment to assess how safe and effective new medical interventions are before they are approved for general use. During trials researchers are able to compare new treatments to placebos or current standards of care to determine what works best.
Through trials, dosages for RSV treatments can be determined, side effects can be identified and research can lead to a better understanding of how a vaccine or therapy performs in different populations. A vital part to this process is the ability to generate real world data which assess how treatments will work outside of the lab and in everyday healthcare settings.
Clinical Trials at Simbec-Orion
Simbec-Orion provides end-to-end clinical trial management across a wide range of therapeutic areas and trial phases. Our specialist-led approach allows us to seamlessly integrate with client teams and deliver support throughout the clinical development journey.
Clinical trial results are a key requirement for regulatory approval, ensuring that only thoroughly tested interventions are made available to the public. Simbec-Orion plays an important role in this process. As a clinical research organisation, we help design, manage, and monitor RSV trials. Our experience with early and late-stage research and ability to conduct trials across multiple locations, including remote monitoring, makes us valuable partners in advancing RSV treatment and prevention.
With nearly five decades of experience as a full-service CRO, we partner with global organisations to drive high-quality clinical trials. To find out more about how we can support your next study, contact us via our online form.