Regeneron has initiated its first clinical trial of a cocktail of antiviral antibody drugs, REGN-COV2, for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19.
After evaluating thousands of antibodies in its proprietary genetically modified mouse models, Regeneron chose two to advance into the clinic. They are non-competitive, potent and virus-neutralising and target the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19. This builds on previous experience that drug combinations are highly effective in other viral diseases, most notably HIV.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The REGN-COV2 development programme will study this cocktail of antibody drugs in four separate trial populations, as well as placebo. These include both non-hospitalised and hospitalised patients, as well as uninfected people at both high exposure and close exposure.
Regeneron co-founder, president and chief scientific officer George D Yancopoulos said: “We have created a unique anti-viral antibody cocktail with the potential both to prevent and treat infection, and also to preempt viral ‘escape,’ a critical precaution in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic.
“REGN-COV2 could have a major impact on public health by slowing spread of the virus and providing a needed treatment for those already sick – and could be available much sooner than a vaccine.
“The antibody cocktail approach may also have long-term utility for elderly and immuno-compromised patients, who often do not respond well to vaccines.”
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData
