The monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 are indicated for non-hospitalized patients aged 12 years and over with a diagnosis of COVID-19 of mild to moderate severity and an increased risk of serious disease and complications, says in an interview with APE-MPE Hematology, and rector of EKPA, Thanos Dimopoulos.
As he explains “these are patients who do not need oxygen support, but have risk factors for serious disease such as: age 65 and over, body mass index (BMI) 35 and above, underlying diseases such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, immunosuppression and use of immunosuppressive drugs, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic respiratory problems “.
A monoclonal antibody, the rector points out, is an antibody (protein) designed to recognize and attach to a specific structure (antigen) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. “Many different monoclonal antibodies are being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19. Each monoclonal antibody attaches to the SARS-CoV-2 protein spike at a different site. The binding prevents the virus from entering human cells. “Treatment with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies can provide immediate, passive immunity and can reduce the progression of COVID19 disease and its complications.”
In Greece, says Mr. Dimopoulos, the consoling use of unapproved monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of COVID-19 and for which a scientific opinion has been issued by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is possible only as part of a group early access program, and as announced in November the first 2000 doses of monoclonal antibodies are expected.
Administration should be given less than ten days after the onset of symptoms
“To date, four monoclonal antibodies to COVID-19 have received a positive opinion for use on an urgent basis, as they are still under evaluation for full marketing authorization. These include the combination of Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab (EliLilly), the combination of Casirivimab and Imdevimab (Regeneron), Regdanvimab (Celltrion) and Sotrovimab (GSK). The use of monoclonal antibodies in clinical protocols has led to a reduction in hospitalizations and deaths in patients with COVID-19, as well as a faster reduction in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 compared with placebo. Regarding the method of their administration, Mr. Dimopoulos states that the monoclonal antibodies are administered in a single dose, but a hospital environment is required, as they are administered intravenously and need medical care for 1 hour, for possible allergic reactions. “It is also important that administration should be done as soon as possible after laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 and certainly less than 10 days after the onset of symptoms.”
