Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Glaxo Reports Its Antibody Treatment Is Effective Against Omicron Variant
GlaxoSmithKline Plc said research shows its Covid-19 antibody treatment is effective against the full combination of mutations in the new omicron variant. Tests done in-vitro against a pseudo-virus that recreates a synthesized version of omicron showed that sotrovimab, Glaxo’s antibody treatment, stands up to all mutations in the spike protein of the omicron variant and not just the key mutations, the drugmaker said in a statement Tuesday. The tests included all 37 mutations identified to-date in the spike protein. (Hipwell, 12/7)
GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology Inc. said their Covid-19 antibody treatment retained effectiveness against the Omicron variant in laboratory studies, even as early data suggests that similar treatments work less well against the highly mutated strain. The results provide hope that at least one monoclonal antibody therapy—a form of treatment that has proven useful in blunting severe disease—will remain effective against Omicron, which has been detected in dozens of countries including the U.S. since it was identified by scientists in South Africa two weeks ago. (Roland, 12/7)
Also —
Most pharmaceutical companies have been working on their own monoclonal antibody or antiviral pill treatments and rushing to test how they fare against the new omicron variant, which is proving to be highly contagious, but mild in symptoms. Among the others, preliminary testing of U.S. drugmaker Regeneron Pharamaceuticals’ monoclonal antibody drug has shown it loses effectiveness against Omicron, the company said last week. ... Regeneron rival Eli Lilly also isn’t as effective against Omicron, outside scientists found. (Mellor, 12/7)
As the world worries that the Omicron coronavirus variant may cause a surge of cases and weaken vaccines, drug developers have some encouraging news: Two new Covid-19 pills are coming soon, and are expected to work against all versions of the virus. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to soon authorize a pill made by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, called molnupiravir, which reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from Covid-19 by 30 percent if taken within five days of the onset of symptoms. (Zimmer, 12/7)
