Monoclonal Antibody Combo Reduces Symptomatic COVID-19 Infection Risk by 83%

Delaware-based AstraZeneca US announced its Evusheld monoclonal antibody (mAbs) combination reduced the risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 by 83% in the six-month follow-up analysis compared to placebo.

And there were no cases of severe disease or COVID-19-related deaths in the Evusheld study group through the six-month follow-up.

Additional pharmacokinetic data published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) on April 20, 2022, showed that Evusheld concentrations remained elevated in serum for six months after administration, supporting that a single dose could provide long-term protection against COVID-19 lasting at least six months.

The NEJM Original Article concluded 'a single dose of EVusheld (AZD7442) had efficacy for preventing Covid-19, without evident safety concerns.'

Myron J. Levin, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, US, and the phase 3 clinical trial (PROVENT) principal investigator, said in a release press release, “While COVID-19 vaccines have been highly effective at reducing hospitalization and death, cases continue to surge, and many individuals remain at high risk, including immunocompromised individuals and those who cannot be vaccinated."

"These important data now published in the NEJM provide confidence that one easily administered intramuscular dose of Evusheld could provide vulnerable populations long-lasting protection."

"In addition, EVUSHELD has been shown to neutralize BA.2, currently the dominant circulating COVID-19 variant.”

As of Apr. 14, 2022, the U.S. NIH OpenData Portal reported Evusheld's in vitro therapeutic activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus variants.

AstraZeneca previously announced positive high-level results from the TACKLE Phase III trial in treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in October 2021.

Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) has not been U.S. FDA Approved but has been granted an Emergency Use Authorization.

There are limited clinical data available, and serious and unexpected adverse events that have not been previously reported with Evusheld use may occur.

This study was financially supported by AstraZeneca and the U.S. government, such as the Department of Health and Human Services.

As of April 21, 2022, 1,048,344 Evusheld doses have been shipped in the U.S.

Additional mAbs news is posted at PrecisionVaccinations.com/antibodies.

Note: The press statement and study findings were edited for clarity and manually curated for mobile readers.