Who Needs a Measles Antibody Most? Michael Mina, MD, PhD

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Babies, immunocompromised individuals, and people who choose not to be vaccinated may have the greatest unmet need for an antibody-based measles option, according to Michael Mina, MD, PhD, chief medical officer and chief epidemiologist of Invivyd. The company recently announced preclinical data supporting its potential first- and best-in-class monoclonal antibody candidate, VMS063, for the treatment and prevention of measles.¹

In data presented at IDWeek 2026, held October 21-24 in Washington, DC, the stability of VMS063 was comparable to that of previous therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.² The candidate also demonstrated potent in vitro antiviral activity against the B3 and D8 genotypes of the measles virus—the most prevalent circulating genotypes—supporting its potential use for treatment and for pre- and postexposure prophylaxis.^1,2 Its potential as an alternative immunization option comes as US measles cases climb, with 2026 disease burden nearly double that of 2025 as of October, according to Invivyd.¹

Mina detailed how VMS063 could offer an earlier or alternative immunization option for these patients.

With measles outbreaks on the rise, "Our first consideration for where we might want to deploy antibodies like this, monoclonal antibodies, is in these vulnerable high-risk babies who don't have any protection against measles, yet measles is starting to circulate in their environment," he said in an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care^®.

Mina explained that giving infants a measles vaccine too early can harm their ability to build strong, durable immunity against measles later on. At the same time, because measles was largely eliminated in the US, mothers' measles antibody levels have declined, so they pass fewer antibodies to their babies. That protection may now last just 1 month instead of the first 6 months of life, creating an immunity gap.

"It's a real risk-benefit if you're a new baby in the world, and there's a measles outbreak going on around you," he said.

VMS063 may also appeal to immunocompromised or unvaccinated populations. For those who may not be fully immunocompetent, Mina said that a monoclonal antibody could help "boost somebody's immune protection regardless of how well their immune system is able to respond to a vaccine or not."

Although measles vaccines are "extremely safe, extremely effective," Mina noted that millions of people may be choosing not to get vaccinated. For those who opt out, VMS063 could provide another option so that they can still gain protection, he concluded.

References

1. Invivyd presents VMS063, a potential best-in-class monoclonal antibody candidate for the treatment and prevention of measles, at IDWeek 2026. News release. Invivyd. October 21, 2026. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://investors.invivyd.com/news-releases/news-release-details/invivyd-presents-vms063-potential-best-class-monoclonal-antibody

2. Martin RNA, Chupp D, Powers C, Gao F, Mina M, Allen R. VMS063: a novel, highly potent, half-life extended, pan-measles variant investigational antibody. Presented at: IDWeek 2026; October 21-24, 2026; Washington, DC. Poster P-2082.