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Vaccines

New Covid-19 Antibody Drug Authorized for US Use Amid Growing Need for Long-Term Protection

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Health experts are hailing the recent authorization of a new Covid-19 antibody drug, Evusheld, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a game-changer for individuals who cannot get adequate protection from vaccination. The AstraZeneca drug is specifically designed for people with serious health problems or allergies who are at high risk of severe disease and death from Covid-19 infection. Approximately 2% to 3% of the US population falls into this high-risk category, including cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals taking immune-suppressing drugs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has authorized AstraZeneca's Evusheld as the first long-term preventive measure against Covid-19 infection, distinct from short-term treatments.
  • The antibody drug is intended for individuals with serious health problems or allergies who are at high risk of severe disease and death from Covid-19 infection.
  • Those who could benefit from Evusheld include cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals taking immune-suppressing drugs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Approximately 2% to 3% of the US population falls into the high-risk category.
  • The required two antibody injections may be effective at preventing Covid-19 infections for six months.
  • Evusheld delivers laboratory-made versions of human antibody proteins to help the immune system fight off viruses and other infections.
  • The FDA has emphasized that antibody drugs are not a substitute for vaccines, which are the most effective, long-lasting, and economical form of virus protection.
  • The US government has already purchased hundreds of thousands of doses of other antibody therapies from Regeneron, Eli Lilly, and GlaxoSmithKline, which require an IV or injection.
  • The AstraZeneca drug is being used differently than previous antibody drug treatments, only as a long-term preventive measure.

Statistics:

  • 2% to 3% of the US population falls into the high-risk category for severe disease and death from Covid-19 infection.
  • The required two antibody injections may be effective at preventing Covid-19 infections for six months.
  • People who received Evusheld had a 77% lower risk of infection than those who received a dummy shot over six months, according to a company study.

Sources:

  • Matthew Perrone, PA & Sophie Goodall, BBC: "New Covid-19 antibody drug 'big step forward' for vulnerable individuals"

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