Regeneron Antibody Cocktail Protects Against COVID-19

April 12, 2021

Regeneron published a news release this morning stating their REGEN-COV antibody-drug demonstrated high levels of protection against COVID-19 in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Those eligible to enroll in the study were not infected with COVID-19, did not show symptoms, did not have SARS-Cov-2 antibodies, and were living with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within four days of enrolling. Of 1,505 volunteers, the antibody-drug demonstrated 72% protection against symptomatic infection in the first week, and 93% in weeks thereafter. Those who received the antibody-drug were also 81% less likely to get sick with COVID compared to those who received the placebo. On average, those experiencing symptoms “resolved their symptoms in 1 week, compared to 3 weeks with placebo. Infected individuals also cleared the virus faster with REGEN-COV.”

The REGEN-COV cocktail combines two drugs that mimic the antibodies created by the immune system when exposed to the virus. These monoclonal antibodies block the COVID-19 infection and neutralize the virus by diminishing its ability to “escape treatment.”

Even though experts are hoping Regeneron’s antibody cocktail will be used as a preventative measure for those who are immunocompromised, this population was not included in the clinical trial. That being said, this can be used as another option for high-risk COVID patients, those who experienced an adverse reaction after receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or those currently on immunosuppressive therapies (whose immune system may not respond well to the vaccine).

Regeneron plans to seek emergency authorization by the F.D.A to use the antibody cocktail as a preventative measure against the coronavirus. They are also seeking approval to administer the cocktail via injection versus intravenous infusion.