On Friday, the EU′s pharmaceuticals authority warned that Covid antibody therapies are ineffective against the disease′s newest and most prevalent strains.

For at-risk or hospitalized patients, several monoclonal antibodies administered via injection or infusion has assisted in reducing the severity of the condition. They function by concentrating on the virus′ spike protein.

However, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) warned that it is doubtful that these antibodies will work against novel strains. Lab testing indicated they poorly neutralize Omicron strains BA.4.6, BA.2.75.2, and XBB. Additionally, they hardly counteract BQ.1 and BQ.1.1, which are anticipated to overtake other strains in the EU in the upcoming weeks.

The three primary antibody therapies are Evusheld by AstraZeneca, Ronapreve by Roche, and Xevudy by GSK and Vir.

According to the EMA, since antiviral medications like Pfizer′s Paxlovid are anticipated to remain effective, EU member states should stock up on them for high-risk patients.

Since the virus has mutated, monoclonal antibodies have lost their effectiveness. Previously, they had been found to reduce the risk of hospitalization and mortality by up to 80%.

The World Health Organization in September had warned against using Xevudy and Ronapreve because they had stopped being effective against new variants.

Omicron and its sub-lineages have dominated during 2022 and appear destined to continue into 2023, whereas earlier ″variants of concern″ like Alpha and Delta eventually fizzled out.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/eu-warns-antibody-drugs-poor-against-new-covid-strains/96125798)