In a recent study, researchers found a new antibody cocktail against the COVID-19 virus can reduce the risk of symptoms by 77%.
Based on the positive results, the team will seek regulatory approval for AZD7442, a combination of two long-acting antibodies, as one-dose pre-exposure prophylaxis that for chronically ill people may be more effective than a vaccine.
The study is from Vanderbilt University and AstraZeneca. One researcher is James Crowe Jr., MD.
AZD7442 is the first antibody combination (non-vaccine) modified to potentially provide long-lasting protection that has demonstrated the prevention of COVID-19 in a clinical trial.
The trial included more than 5,000 participants. More than 75% had conditions that can cause a reduced immune response to vaccination.
Delivered by intramuscular injection, the antibody treatment was well tolerated with only minor side effects and could afford up to 12 months of protection from COVID-19.
Preliminary laboratory findings also suggest that AZD7442 can neutralize recent emergent variants of the virus, including the delta variant.
The original antibodies that were the basis for the engineered long-acting antibodies that make up the AZD7442 two-antibody cocktail were isolated last year by the team.
They developed ultra-fast methods for discovering highly potent antiviral human monoclonal antibodies and validating their ability to protect small animals and non-human primates.
Six of the antibodies were licensed to AstraZeneca in June for advancement into clinical development.
The team announced it was advancing into phase 3 clinical trials an investigational therapy consisting of two long-acting antibodies discovered at VUMC and optimized by AstraZeneca.
If you care about COVID, please read studies about COVID vaccination less effective for people with these health problems and findings of scientists find drug duo that may cure COVID-19 together.
For more information about COVID and your health, please see recent studies about the cause of long COVID-19 symptoms and results showing that fatigue, cognitive impairment and mood disorders linked to post-COVID-19 syndrome.
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