AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail to be Tested in UK Trial

Strategic Insights -

Trials for AstraZeneca's coronavirus antibody cocktail are starting in the UK, aiming to protect people with a weakened immune system from Covid-19 infection for up to 12 months. The treatment has been engineered to introduce antibodies into the body, rather than prompting the immune system to make them. The trial will recruit 5,000 participants in Europe and the United States, including 1,000 people from nine sites in the UK. A fifth of the trial volunteers will be from Britain, a testament to the country's fantastic life sciences sector and willingness to help others.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a combination of two long-acting monoclonal antibodies, which will be administered to participants through injection or intravenous infusion.
  • The treatment is specifically designed for people with a weakened immune system, including those who cannot be vaccinated or are unlikely to respond to immunization, which may include hundreds of thousands of people in the UK.
  • The trial will last for 12 months, with initial results expected to be published in the first half of 2021.
  • AstraZeneca has secured an in-principle agreement with the UK Government to procure one million doses of the antibody combination, dubbed AZD7442, if it is successful in the phase three trials.
  • The UK NHS Vaccine Research Registry, which has 340,000 volunteers, will provide some patients for the trial.
  • The treatment is expected to confer protection for between 6 and 12 months, making it akin to a passive vaccination.
  • The cost of the antibody treatment is expected to be more expensive than vaccines, but AstraZeneca hopes to make it cost-effective.

Statistics:

  • 5,000 participants will be recruited in Europe and the United States for the trial, including 1,000 individuals from nine sites in the UK.
  • 340,000 volunteers have signed up for the NHS Vaccine Research Registry.
  • AstraZeneca has secured $486 million from the US government to develop and secure up to 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 cocktail.
  • The UK government has an in-principle agreement to secure access to one million doses of AZD7442 if it is successful in Phase III trials.

Sources:

  • AstraZeneca press release, citing Sir Mene Pangalos, executive vice president of biopharmaceuticals R&D.
  • Quote from Kate Bingham, chairwoman of the UK's Vaccine Taskforce.
  • Quote from Business Secretary Alok Sharma.
  • AstraZeneca's website, stating the company's development of AZD7442 and the UK trial.
  • Reuters article, citing the US government's award of $486 million to AstraZeneca.