AstraZeneca secures federal backing for investigational monoclonal antibody COVID-19 therapy

Oct 12, 2020 - 12:07 PM
COVID19 Web Sized

The Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense Oct. 9 announced support for AstraZeneca’s late-stage development and large-scale manufacturing of the AZD7442 investigational treatment for COVID-19.

AZD7442 is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies that may help treat or prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2. AstraZeneca will receive approximately $486 million under Operation Warp Speed for two Phase 3 clinical trials and related development activities, including a large-scale manufacturing demonstration project and supply of AZD7442 doses in the U.S.

Two other monoclonal antibody cocktails are currently in development, with candidates from Regeneron and Lilly. Both are undergoing clinical trials, with their respective makers also requesting emergency use authorizations from the Food and Drug Administration.

HHS and DOD said that effective monoclonal antibodies that can prevent COVID-19, particularly those that are long-lasting and delivered by intramuscular injection, “may be of particular use in certain groups. This includes people who have compromised immune function, those who are over 80 years old, and people undergoing medical treatments that preclude them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.”

Related News Articles

Headline
CDC report finds COVID-19 vaccine for children reduced chances of ED, urgent care visits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dec. 11 released a report that found last year’s version of the COVID-19 vaccine was 76% effective in preventing…
Headline
AHA responds to FDA request for information on AI-enabled medical devices
The AHA provided recommendations to the Food and Drug Administration Dec. 1 in response to a request for information on the measurement and evaluation of…
Headline
Permanent recall issued for Baxter ventilation system
The Food and Drug Administration has identified a Class I recall of Baxter Life2000 Ventilation Systems due to a cybersecurity issue discovered through…
Headline
CDC data shows rise in flu, COVID-19 cases across states 
Flu cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from Nov. 11. COVID-19…
Headline
Recall issued for mislabeled potassium chloride
The Food and Drug Administration yesterday published an announcement from Otsuka ICU Medical saying that the company issued a voluntary recall for a mislabeled…
Headline
Study finds flu, COVID-19 infection temporarily raises risk of heart attack, stroke 
A study published Oct. 30 by the American Heart Association found that people have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke following flu and COVID-19…