Measles Is Becoming So Common That Treatments May Soon Be Needed

As measles cases surge to a 35-year high in the United States, with vaccination rates continuing to decline, biotech companies and academic institutions are racing to develop treatments for those infected with the virus and vulnerable individuals who may benefit from short-term protection. So far, the country has surpassed last year's 2,289 measles cases, with July's total already exceeding that mark.

For context, there were only 285 cases in all of 2024. Measles is highly contagious, requiring at least 95% of people in a community to receive both vaccine doses to protect those with weakened immune systems and infants under 12 months old who cannot be vaccinated. Severe complications from measles include pneumonia, deafness, and potentially fatal brain damage.

Currently, doctors provide supportive care, such as preventing dehydration and managing breathing difficulties, as there are no measles-specific treatments. Monoclonal antibodies, which mimic natural antibodies produced by the immune system, are being investigated as a potential countermeasure. These antibodies can be administered via IV or injection and have been used in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

Invivyd, a Connecticut-based biotech company, is developing a monoclonal antibody for measles and is preparing for clinical trials. Similarly, researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology are studying human antibody responses to measles. Manufacturing monoclonal antibodies at scale and securing funding for clinical trials may prove challenging, given the sporadic nature of outbreaks and the short treatment courses.

Nonetheless, some disease models predict that measles could become endemic in the US within 25 years if current vaccination rates persist.