Eli Lilly reports that monoclonal antibody treatment reduces COVID-19 risk

Of a study that has not yet been published, 299 residents, half of whom received a placebo, those who randomly received the drug bamlanivimab, had an 80% lower risk of developing COVID-19.

Healthcare providers at the same nursing homes were statistically less likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19 after receiving bamlanivimab, which was delivered at a dose of 4,200 mg. Among 41 residents who had already tested positive for the virus, no one died after receiving the drug, compared with 4 deaths in the placebo group.

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The BLAZE-2 COVID-19 prevention trial was conducted in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Bamlanivimab, which is approved for use in high-risk COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate disease, is a so-called monoclonal antibody, which means that it provides a manufactured version of antibodies that naturally make the immune system fight an infection. to move.

“The results of this innovative study further support the belief that bamlanivimab – and possibly other monoclonal antibodies – can reduce symptoms and even prevent COVID-19,” said Dr. Myron S. Cohen, who led the study and provides the Institute for Global Leadership. Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said in a prepared statement.

“The antiviral activity seen with bamlanivimab treatment underscores the importance of early intervention to counteract the devastating impact the virus has had on this vulnerable population and other high-risk patients.”

COVID, one year later: The first American case. The first death. The first outbreak at a nursing home.

The federal government bought hundreds of thousands of doses of bamlanivimab and a similar drug from Regeneron, which former President Donald Trump received when he was ill with COVID-19.

Most of the doses have so far been unused because the drugs have to be given to patients who are not yet sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. It is also delivered per hour-long infusions at a time when patients are highly contagious.

More information on acquiring monoclonal antibodies is available at covid.infusioncenter.org

Contact Karen Weintraub at [email protected]

Health and Patient Safety Coverage in USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.

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