Another offering in the fight against COVID is seeking Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. Astra Zeneca’s first-of-its-kind antibody treatment is used as a preventative from the virus. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Lucio Miele said data in the AZD7442.
“So, what’s special about this cocktail is that these antibodies should last six to 12 months,” said Miele.
Miele said the monoclonal medication will not be marketed as a substitute for the vaccines but more of an ancillary for those who are unable to be vaccinated because they have cancer or a compromised immune system…
“That makes them more susceptible to infection or less likely to develop a strong immunity in response to the vaccine,” said Miele.
The drug is a laboratory-made version of the virus-blocking antibodies that help fight off infections and Miele said so far, it’s been shown to be long lasting thus will reduce the number of injections one would need.
“One injection could last potentially up to a year, so it’s a very useful addition to our arsenal in response to SARS-CoV-2,” said Miele.
The FDA has already authorized three other antibody drugs, including two that can be given after a COVID exposure. The AstraZeneca injection is meant to be given as a preventative for COVID.
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