AstraZeneca has recently unveiled a groundbreaking COVID-19 drug that could offer protection against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Sipavibart (AZD3152) is set to be accessible by the end of the year. This development is particularly significant for immunocompromised individuals with limited protection from vaccines.
Sipavibart – currently undergoing the SUPERNOVA trial, targets preventing symptomatic infection in people with weakened immune systems. Early-phase trials have demonstrated this new drug’s neutralisation potential against all COVID-19 VOCs, including the latest, Arcturus. More recently, late-phase studies have also shown promising outcomes. Concrete efficacy data is likely to be disclosed by September. If the consensus confirms safety and efficacy, AstraZeneca plans to seek emergency use authorisation from the US FDA – with anticipated distribution by late 2023.
This drug could be a crucial preventive strategy for nearly 2% of the immunocompromised population who are vulnerable to the infection and its complications and are not eligible for vaccination against COVID-19.
Sipavibart has been developed based on the same principles as its predecessor, Evusheld––which was previously authorised to protect immunocompromised populations but had its authorisation revoked due to resistant variants’ emergence. A primary distinction being – unlike Evusheld, Sipavibart uses an antibody derived from the B cells of recovered COVID-19 patients, designed to provide broader coverage against various strains.
Federal health officials have emphasised the urgency of providing effective treatments for immunocompromised patients. These individuals are at a higher risk of severe outcomes, accounting for a significant portion of COVID-19 hospitalisations, ICU admissions, and fatalities, despite vaccination.
Updated monoclonal antibody treatments are under development to ward off new variants, with more announcements on the cards. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has committed to collaborating with global regulatory authorities to expedite the availability of Sipavibart.
These advancements come as AstraZeneca recently withdrew its original COVID-19 vaccine due to a surplus of updated vaccines and ongoing scrutiny over rare side effects. The company remains focused on patient safety and consistently prioritises developing effective treatments for those at the highest risk from COVID-19.
The scientific community eagerly awaits the upcoming trial results, which could pave the way for regulatory approval and distribution later this year.
Suggested Read:
KEYWORDS: AstraZeneca COVID-19 drug, AZD3152 COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 antibody therapy, Immunocompromised COVID-19 protection, New COVID-19 variants treatment, COVID-19 drug for weakened immune systems, FDA emergency use authorization, COVID-19 prophylactic treatment, Supernova COVID-19 trial, COVID-19 antiviral treatments, Evusheld replacement
No Comment! Be the first one.