A new clinical trial sponsored by Penta, named THAI-CARES RSV Study, launched in Thailand to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a 5-day course of the antiviral medicine remdesivir to treat children aged 0-2 years hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infections.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes serious infections in infants and young children, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Globally, it is responsible for more than 3 million hospitalisations and approximately 120,000 deaths each year in children under the age of five. Despite the high burden of disease, treatment options for RSV in children remain limited.
Remdesivir has demonstrated promising antiviral activity against RSV in preclinical studies. This medication has already been used to treat COVID-19 in paediatric populations, supporting its potential to have a generally well-tolerated safety profile in young children with RSV. With this Phase II trial, the THAI-CARES RSV Study team aims to generate real-world clinical evidence that could establish remdesivir as a potential therapeutic option for paediatric RSV.
Over the next two years, the trial will be conducted across eight hospitals in throughout Thailand, under the coordination of the AMS-PHPT Research Collaboration at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences (AMS), Chiang Mai University (Co-Chief Investigator: Tim R. Cressey). The eight clinical sites and site principal investigators are listed below:
- Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital (PI: Dr. Suchada Ruenglerdpong)
- Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (PI: Dr. Napaporn Chantasrisawad)
- Khon Kaen Hospital (PI: Dr. Ussanee Srirompotong)
- Lampang Hospital (PI: Dr. Mallika Rattanawijit)
- Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital (Co-Chief Investigator: Dr. Tavitiya Sudjaritruk)
- Maha Sarakham Hospital (PI: Dr. Supawan Papakhee)
- Nakornping Hospital (PI: Dr. Suparat Kanjanavanit)
- Samut Sakhon Hospital (PI: Dr. Shalini Sachdev)
The first trial participant was enrolled at the clinical site Maha Sarakham Hospital in Thailand in July 2025. The study oversight is being performed in collaboration with Hospital Materno Infantil 12 de Octubre in Spain (Co-Chief Investigator: Pablo Rojo).
The trial’s findings have the potential to inform future RSV treatment strategies, offering hope to countless children and families affected by this pervasive virus.
The THAI-CARES RSV Study is supported with funding and provisions of remdesivir by Gilead Sciences, Inc. (CO-US-540-7443).