EU assesses GSK-Vir COVID-19 antibody therapy for authorisation
Read Time:1 Minute, 7 Second
European health regulator said on Thursday it was assessing a marketing authorisation application for GSK-Vir Biotechnology’s (GSK.L), (VIR.O) monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 and could give its opinion within two months.
The drug, sotrovimab, branded as Xevudy was already under a speedy review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and GSK’s application makes the drug the fourth application currently under EU lenses for the treatment of COVID-19.
The drug is authorised for emergency use in the United States to prevent mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 from worsening. The EMA has given its go-ahead for use by member states but Thursday’s application would count for an EU-wide approval, if recommended by the EMA.
Unlike oral options from Merck (MRK.N) and Pfizer (PFE.N), sotrovimab is given via an infusion. Sotrovimab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies that are lab-generated compounds mimicking the body’s natural defences.
However, last week GSK and Vir said a study showed the antibody treatment would work when given as a shot in the arm as well, potentially offering more convenience.
The EMA recently backed similar antibody therapies from American-Swiss partners Regeneron-Roche (REGN.O), (ROG.S) and another from South Korea’s Celltrion (091990.KQ), as the region builds up its defence against surging cases.
source: Reuters
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
