Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe complications, particularly in young children and undernourished populations. It remains a significant global vaccine-preventable disease burden where immunization coverage is insufficient.
Measles cases in the U.S. reached 2,288 in 2025, the highest since 1992, with 2,104 cases reported in the first half of 2026. Utah has seen 499 cases this year, more than 20% of the national total, driven by pockets of low vaccination. Health officials emphasize vaccination and early symptom recognition to prevent spread.
Researchers identified the first comprehensive group of human monoclonal antibodies targeting measles virus. The study found antibodies against both H and F proteins, including 4F09, which reduced virus to undetectable levels in an animal model.
US health policy activity this week included HHS FY 2027 budget hearings, a House review of Medicare fraud and bipartisan discussion of PBM reform. President Trump also issued an executive order on mental illness treatments, and CMS and FDA announced the RAPID pathway.
Invivyd reported progress in the Phase 3 DECLARATION trial of VYD2311, with top-line data now expected in Q3 2026 after a sample size increase of about 500 subjects. The company also aligned with the FDA on the LIBERTY Phase 3 study, a pediatric study plan for DRUMMER, and advanced measles antibody candidate VMS063.
NanoViricides has filed regulatory applications for its antiviral candidate NV-387, seeking both Rare Pediatric Disease Drug Designation for measles treatment and Orphan Drug Designation for both measles and MPox treatments. The company could qualify for significant incentives including tax credits, fee exemptions, market exclusivity, and potentially a Priority Review Voucher worth approximately $160 million. There are currently no approved drugs for treating either measles or MPox, with both diseases showing concerning case trends.
Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign targeting over one million children as a deadly outbreak spreads across 56 districts. The outbreak has caused at least 17 confirmed deaths with 113 suspected fatalities and over 7,500 infections. The campaign prioritizes children aged six months to five years in high-risk areas amid concerns about critical immunity gaps and overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
The global orphan drugs market is projected to grow from $223.76 billion in 2023 to $486.51 billion by 2032, with North America leading at 38% market share. Over 500 orphan drugs are approved with more than 800 candidates in clinical trials, driven by regulatory incentives and major pharmaceutical company investments in rare disease therapies.
Measles cases are reappearing across the United States, challenging health systems unprepared for a disease declared eliminated in 2000. Clinical leaders must ensure rapid identification, isolation protocols, and vaccination strategies to prevent outbreaks.
Researchers at Stanford and Harvard are developing nasal spray vaccines offering broad protection against respiratory infections, with early animal and phase 1 human trials showing safety and potential efficacy.
The U.S. recorded 2,280 measles cases in 2025, the highest since 1991, with 982 cases already confirmed in early 2026. North London faces an outbreak with 34 children infected in Enfield, while Philadelphia issued an exposure alert for the international airport.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07406360 |
A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of an Investigational Combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Vaccine, When Administered as Intramuscular Injection to Healthy Children 15 Months to 6 Years of Age |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07358910 |
Risk Assessment of Community Spread of Multiple Endemic Infectious Diseases in a One Health Perspective |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07338851 |
the Five-year Antibody Persistence After Immunization With IPV, MMR and HepA-L Vaccines |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07112846 |
Prospective Clinical Registry for Evaluation of Exanthematous Infections and Coinfections |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT06815835 |
Non-interference Study of MR and Yellow Fever Vaccines Among Bangladeshi Infants Aged 9-12 Months |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT06667206 |
Earlier Prime-BOOST Schedule to Improve MEasles Protection in High Burden Settings |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT06456788 |
Barriers and Facilitators to MMR Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers |
COMPLETED | |
| NCT06331702 |
Immunogenicity of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Co-administered With Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine (MMR) |
COMPLETED | PHASE4 |
| NCT06218368 |
A Tool Kit to Improve Vaccine Confidence in the Philippines |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT05952505 |
Immunogenicity and Safety of an Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Coadministered With Two Attenuated Vaccines |
UNKNOWN | PHASE4 |
