Lack of evidence for an unmet need to treat Clostridium difficile infection in infants aged <2 years: expert recommendations on how to address this issue

Abstract

The role of Clostridium difficile in causing disease in infants is unclear, and the existence of C. difficile infection (CDI) in this population is controversial. As part of the drug licensing process for new CDI therapies, a pediatric investigation plan is required to define studies in infants aged <2 years. This assumes an unmet medical need, even though clinical trials in this age group may not be feasible. Three pharmaceutical companies developing CDI treatments came together to seek advice from a panel of experts. Our unanimous opinion is that the existence of CDI is questionable in infants, and if it exists, is rare. There is therefore no unmet need for CDI treatment in this population. Interventional studies are not feasible with the current level of knowledge, and studies should be limited to noninterventional studies or open-label pharmacokinetic and safety studies to better define CDI in infants.

Keywords: C. difficile infection; clinical trial; diarrhea; infants; pediatrics.