AstraZeneca stated that its antibody cocktail named Evusheld was effective in neutralizing BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 sub-variants of Omicron and also limiting inflammation in the lungs. The laboratory study showed that the therapy reduced the amount of virus detected in samples of all tested Omicron sub-variants in mice lungs. The study awaits peer review.

AstraZeneca executive John Perez said that the findings supported the fact that the antibody cocktail could protect vulnerable patients, including the immunocompromised people.  Evusheld contains lab-made antibodies designed to persist in the body for months in order to contain the virus if infection occurs.  Evusheld has been authorized in the United States and is being reviewed in Europe. (ET HealthWorld - Reuters, March 21, 2022)