US secures over 750,000 doses of GSK-Vir COVID-19 drug
pharmafile | November 17, 2021 | News story | Research and Development |
The US has secured GSK and Vir Biotechnology’s antibody-based COVID-19 treatment, through signing contracts worth approximately $1 billion, according to Reuters.
GSK have said the deal raised the total number of doses secured for the treatment, sotrovimab, to over 750,000 globally, stating that supply is expected by December 17. The US will have the option to buy additional doses through March 2022. However, the company did not specify how many doses the US government signed up for. Other deals include 10,000 doses for Canada and up to 220,000 doses for the EU.
Sotrovimab (also known as VIR-7831 and GSK4182136), is a monoclonal antibody that demonstrates activity against SARS-CoV-2. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that attaches to a specific structure, called an antigen. Sotrovimab is manufactured to attach to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, hindering the virus’ ability to enter the body’s cells, according to the EMA. The medicine is administered via infusion (drip) into a vein.
The treatment is authorised for emergency use in the US to prevent mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 from worsening, but it is not intended for use on individuals who have been hospitalised due to COVID-19, or who require oxygen therapy due to the virus. Although the EMA has approved it for use by member states, EU-wide approval is still pending.
Sotrovimab has been shown to cut the risk of hospitalisation or death in adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 by almost 80%.
Vir Chief Executive George Scangos commented: “Given ongoing evidence, which demonstrates its ability to maintain activity against the tested circulating variants of concern, including Delta, we are confident sotrovimab will continue to be important.”
Lina Adams
