UK approves “first of its kind” antibody cocktail for COVID-19
pharmafile | August 20, 2021 | News story | Medical Communications |
The MHRA has approved a “first of its kind” antibody cocktail developed by Regeneron and Roche to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The treatment, Ronapreve, is administered either by injection or infusion and acts at the lining of the respiratory system where it binds tightly to the coronavirus and prevents it from gaining access to the cells of the respiratory system.
Clinical trial data assessed by a dedicated team of MHRA scientists and clinicians has shown that Ronapreve may be used to prevent infection, promote resolution of symptoms of acute COVID-19 infection, and can reduce the likelihood of being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The UK is considered a world leader in identifying and rolling out life-saving treatments for COVID-19, once they have been proven safe and effective in our government-backed clinical trials.
“This is fantastic news from the independent medicines regulator and means the UK has approved its first therapeutic designed specifically for COVID-19.
“This treatment will be a significant addition to our armoury to tackle COVID-19 – in addition to our world-renowned vaccination programme and life-saving therapeutics dexamethasone and tocilizumab.
“We are now working at pace with the NHS and expert clinicians to ensure this treatment can be rolled out to NHS patients as soon as possible.”
Interim Chief Quality & Access Officer, Dr Samantha Atkinson said: “We are pleased to announce the approval of another therapeutic treatment that can be used for to help save lives and protect against COVID-19.
“Ronapreve is the first of its kind for the treatment of COVID-19, and after a meticulous assessment of the data by our expert scientists and clinicians, we are satisfied that this treatment is safe and effective.
“With no compromises on quality, safety and efficacy, the public can trust that the MHRA have conducted a robust and thorough assessment of all the available data.”
Lilly Subbotin
