Provide new options for people with poor vaccine effects

Today, AstraZeneca announced the latest results of its long-acting new coronavirus neutralizing antibody AZD7442 in two phase 3 clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

The press release pointed out that 2% of the world’s population may not respond well to the new crown vaccine due to various reasons (such as blood cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, patients receiving dialysis, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis taking immunosuppressive drugs) Patients, etc.

AZD7442 is a long-acting neutralizing antibody combination therapy jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial focuses on recruiting high-risk and immunocompromised volunteers.

At a median follow-up time of 6 months, a single injection of AZD7442 compared with placebo reduced the volunteer's risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 by 83%

In addition, in another phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, AZD7442, if used within 3 days of onset of symptoms, can reduce the patient's risk of aggravation or death by 88%

The lead researcher of AZD7442, Professor Hugh Montgomery of University College London, UK, said: "These results give us confidence and show that long-acting antibody combination therapy can provide long-term protection for vulnerable people and help them return to their normal lives

At present, neutralizing antibody therapies of many biopharmaceutical companies have obtained approval or emergency use authorization from regulatory agencies around the world.

Reference materials:

[1] New analyses of two AZD7442 COVID-19 Phase III trials in high-risk populations confirm robust efficacy and long-term prevention.

[2] BIO COVID-19 Therapeutic Development Tracker.