The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has made a recommendation to use an antibody developed by AstraZeneca to help prevent COVID-19 infection. At a time when Europe is facing an increase in disease rates and the process of vaccinating adults has slowed down, such a drug could be an important alternative.
EMA approves drug against COVID-19
Published March 25, 2022 11:34
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EMA concluded that Evusheld should be used in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age who have not been exposed to the virus. For comparison: other such drugs from e.g. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and partners GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology have already been approved, including the antibody from Regeneron has been approved in Europe also to prevent COVID-19 infections.
AstraZeneca's COVID drug can be used to prevent infections in people whose immune systems are too weak to respond to vaccines. While vaccines target the production of antibodies and infection-fighting cells, Evusheld already contains lab-made antibodies that are designed to stay in the body for at least six months. Evusheld maintains neutralizing activity against the coronavirus variant Omicron, including the highly contagious sub-variant BA.2, according to laboratory test results. The therapy reduces the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 by 77% and, given soon after infection, prevents the disease from progressing.
Now the decision of the European Commission is expected.
Source: Reuters
