A groundbreaking antibody therapy under testing could deliver immediate and sustained immunity to those exposed to SARS-CoV-2, even when vaccination is no longer viable. Successful trials could make this vital tool available by spring 2021.
On December 27, France launched its symbolic COVID-19 vaccination campaign following European Union approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The first recipients: 20 elderly individuals and caregivers, amid a pandemic that has claimed nearly 63,000 lives in the country. EU-wide rollouts follow, building on earlier starts in China, Russia, the US, and UK.
These record-speed vaccines bring hope, but they're not alone in the fight against COVID-19.
As reported by The Guardian, UK researchers are trialing an antibody treatment designed to prevent COVID-19 in exposed, unvaccinated people. Developed under the Storm Chaser trial, this therapy offers instant protection and could safeguard hospital patients and care home residents during outbreaks.
“If proven effective in halting disease progression post-exposure, this would be a game-changing addition to our COVID-19 defenses,” says Dr. Catherine Houlihan, lead virologist at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH).
Developed by UCLH and AstraZeneca—creators of a leading COVID-19 vaccine—the therapy (AZD7442) involves two doses of monoclonal antibodies. Successful results promise immediate and long-term protection (6-12 months) for those exposed within the prior eight days.
The global trial spans UCLH, other UK hospitals, and hundreds of sites worldwide. University College Hospital dosed its first participants this month in a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
“We've treated ten exposed individuals—staff, students, and residents from homes, facilities, and dorms,” notes Dr. Houlihan. Teams are now tracking outcomes to assess efficacy.
Approval could enable availability by March or April, bridging gaps until full vaccination coverage.
