AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) said new data from two COVID-19 Phase III trials has confirmed that its AZD7442 therapy provides protection against severe disease and death in high-risk populations.
The trials showed that one 300mg IM dose of AZD7442, also called Evusheld, reduced the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 by 83% over six months, with no severe disease or deaths.
There were no cases of severe disease or COVID-19-related deaths in those treated with AZD7442 at either the primary or six-month analyses, while in the placebo group, there were a total of five cases of severe COVID-19 and two COVID-related deaths.
Meanwhile, patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who were given one 600mg IM dose of AZD7442 within three days of symptom onset reduced the risk of developing severe COVID-19 or death by 88% compared to placebo.
Hugh Montgomery, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London, UK and AZD7442 principal investigator, said: “These compelling results give me confidence that this long-acting antibody combination can provide my vulnerable patients with the long-lasting protection they urgently need to finally return to their everyday lives.
“Importantly, six months of protection was maintained despite the surge of the Delta variant among these high-risk participants who may not respond adequately to vaccination.”
Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, added: “These new data add to the growing body of evidence supporting AZD7442’s potential to make a significant difference in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
“We are progressing regulatory filings around the world and look forward to providing an important new option against SARS-CoV-2 as quickly as possible.”
