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The study compares the safety and efficacy of mRNA-1345 compared to placebo.
In a trial conducted by ModernaTX, Inc, investigators are assessing the safety and efficacy of the mRNA-1345 vaccine to target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among adults 60 years and older.1 The phase 2/3 randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study (NCT05127434) is divided in 2 parts — Part A and Part B. The role of Part A is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of mRNA-1345 along with the efficacy of a single dose of mRNA-1345, compared to a placebo 14 days post-infection through 12 months. In Part B, investigators are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a booster dose of mRNA-1345 at 24 months after the initial dose.2
The study is focusing on the older population, highlighting the need to address the long-term effects of RSV in this patient population to improve outcomes. Additionally, older individuals are at higher risk of developing more severe complications because of age-related declines in immune function, along with comorbidities, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. However, the most impacted individuals are those living in institutional settings, as this setting can lead to outbreaks in long-term care facilites.3
The Part A phase 2 section of the study will include up to 2000 individuals that will be randomly assigned to receive a single injection of the mRNA-1345 vaccine or a placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Part A phase 3 of the study will include the same vaccines that will be randomly assigned, but will include 35,000 individuals. Following Part A, the Part B substudy will include 15,000 individuals that previously received a dose of mRNA-1345 in the Part A phase 3 section, and these individuals will be randomly assigned to receive a single booster dose of mRNA-1345 or a placebo.2
The study authors noted that the individuals included will be primarily responsible for self-care and activities of daily living. Additionally, the individuals could have 1 or more chronic medical diagnosis, not excluding chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, however, they must be medically stable. Individuals must also have a body mass index from ≥18 kg/m2 to ≤35 kg/m2, according to study authors.1
The study authors noted that individuals could be excluded from the study if they participated in a previous clinical study that included an investigational product 6 months before day 1 of the current injection. Other exclusion criteria include participation in research that involved investigational RSV products or received or planned to receive a vaccine that is not included in the current study 28 days before or after day 1 of the current injection. Additionally, individuals with a history of serious reactions to prior vaccinations or Guillain-Barré syndrome 6 weeks prior to any flu infection will be excluded, according to study authors.1 The trial dates are set from November 2021 – August 2025.1