The MHRA has approved the UK’s first monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19.
Regeneron/Roche’s Ronapreve binds to the virus in the lining of the respiratory system, blocking access to cells and can be administered either by injection or infusion.
Clinical trial data shows that Ronapreve can prevent infection, improve symptoms of acute COVID-19 infection and reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation.
The drug was used to treat former US President Donald Trump last autumn and has been studied in hospitalised patients as part of the RECOVERY trial.
It is felt that it may play an important role in patients who are at higher risk of developing severe infections who are most likely to end up in hospital.
Dr Paul Ettlinger
BM, DRCOG, FRCGP, FRIPH, DOccMed