Encouraging results arrive on the effectiveness of therapies against Covid also to counter the Omicron variant. Preclinical data suggest that the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab is also active against key mutations of the new variant. It is the result of in vitro tests of this drug for the early treatment of the infection, available in the US and in several countries.
To break the news GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology, the pharmaceutical companies that have discovered this experimental antibody intended for the treatment of adults and adolescents with Covid who need oxygen therapy and who are at high risk of progressing to the severe form of the disease.
Preclinical data were generated by pseudo-virus testing of the combined known mutations of the Omicron variant, which included the maximum number of 37 mutations identified to date in the Spike protein.
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“Sotrovimab is the first monoclonal antibody to report preclinical data demonstrating activity against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and interest to date, including Omicron, as well as the still prevalent and highly contagious Delta variant. We are confident that sotrovimab will continue to provide a significant benefit for the early treatment of patients hoping to avoid the more serious consequences of Covid-19, “he said. George Scangos, PhD, chief executive of Vir.
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Sotrovimab is an investigational SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody. “Since the inception of the pandemic, we have worked with Vir to combine our scientific expertise and technologies to offer a durable treatment option for patients with Covid-19. Although early, this preclinical data supports our long-standing view on the sotrovimab’s potential to maintain its activity as the virus continues to mutate. We are delighted that this treatment option is available to patients in the United States and many other countries and are working to expand access around the world, “he said. said Hal Barron, Chief Scientific Officer e President R&D, GSK.
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