COVID-19, Influenza and RSV: Surveillance-informed prevention and treatment – Meeting report from an isirv-WHO virtual conference

Journal article

The International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases (isirv) and the WHO held a joint virtual conference from 19th-21st October 2021. While there was a major focus on the global response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including antivirals, vaccines and surveillance strategies, papers were also presented on treatment and prevention of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 included host-targeted therapies baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, tocilizumab, an IL-6R inhibitor, verdinexor and direct acting antivirals ensovibep, S-217622, AT-527, and monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab, directed against the spike protein. Data from trials of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody with a prolonged half-life which binds to the RSV F-protein, and an Ad26.RSV pre-F vaccine were also presented. The expanded role of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System to address the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was also discussed. This report summarizes the oral presentations given at this meeting for the benefit of the broader medical and scientific community involved in surveillance, treatment and prevention of respiratory virus diseases.

Authors: McKimm-Breschkin, JL; Hay, AJ; Cao, B; Cox, RJ; Dunning, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Antiviral Research
• Volume: 197
• Article number: 105227
• Publication date: 2021-12-18
• Acceptance date: 2021-12-15
• DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105227
• EISSN: 1872-9096
• ISSN: 0166-3542
• Pmid: 34933044
• Language: English
• Keywords: COVID-19; respiratory syncytial virus infections; World Health Organization; influenza, human; FFR; humans; global health