Human Rabies Immunoglobulin Safe, Prevents Rabies in Children

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2021 (HealthDay News) — For pediatric patients, human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG150) is well tolerated and effective as part of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), according to a study published in the March issue of Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

Nicholas Hobart-Porter, D.O., from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, and colleagues conducted a two-center, open-label trial evaluating HRIG150 as part of PEP in patients aged younger than 17 years with suspected or confirmed rabies exposure. Thirty participants received 20 IU/kg HRIG150 infiltrated into the detectable wound site with any remainder injected intramuscularly, concomitantly with a four-dose series of rabies vaccine.

The researchers observed no serious adverse events, rabies infections, or deaths. Within 14 days following administration, 21 participants experienced 57 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAs). Twelve participants experienced 13 adverse events that were deemed related to treatment. The TEAs were all of mild severity. Twenty-eight participants had rabies virus neutralizing antibody titers ≥0.5 IU/mL on day 14.

“Results of this study confirm the safety profile and efficacy of HRIG150 in preventing rabies in pediatric patients when used as part of a PEP regimen,” the authors write. “We conclude that HRIG150 is appropriate for use as a lifesaving component of PEP in pediatric patients.”

Several authors disclosed financial ties to Kamada Ltd. and Kedrion Biopharma Inc., which provided study funding.

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