A favorable opinion was issued by the High Authority for Health (HAS) on the management of bronchiolitis in infants by preventive treatment. From September, French newborns will be able to benefit from the Beyfortus antibody, developed by the French laboratory Sanofi in partnership with the British AstraZeneca. This treatment could be an effective response to the scourge of bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The Beyfortus antibody is one of the therapeutic options in the prevention of respiratory tract infections due to respiratory syncytial virus in newborns and infants during their first exposure to RSV, estimated the Commission de la Transparence de la Haute Autorité of health (HAS).

The HAS considers, however, that Beyfortus provides “a partial response to the identified medical need”, because there is not yet data which makes it possible to “support a possible impact of Beyfortus” on the duration of hospitalization, the transfer to a unit intensive care or resuscitation, and mortality.

The Commission thus announces that it will “reassess the medicinal product” in the light of any new data available within a maximum period of one year from the date of this opinion.

The proposed reimbursement rate is 15% to 30% depending on the situation.