Covid-19 | UK approves monoclonal antibody cocktails, SAR awaits safety data

Following attempts to prevent the rapid spread of Covid-19 and variants, and after global discussions on booster shots, the United Kingdom (UK) has approved an antibody cocktail Covid-19 jab developed by Regeneron/Roche in light of the continued rise in infections across the country.
Several countries and regions have already launched a three-shot regimen, with Macau health authorities also considering the practicability of such a plan to determine when the third dose, or a booster shot, should be administered.
However, Macau health authorities recently clarified that no consensus has been reached yet concerning the possible effects of mixing doses of different Covid-19 vaccines.
Authorities pledged that such a move would only be considered once the government had evidence proving the safety and efficiency of vaccines when administered in ways that differ from current practice.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the UK drug regulator approved a first-
of-its-kind cocktail shot as the first monoclonal antibody combination product indicated for use in the prevention and treatment of acute Covid-19 infection in Britain.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that the drug is administered either by injection or infusion, and acts in the lining of the respiratory system where it binds tightly to the coronavirus and prevents it from gaining access to the respiratory system’s cells.
Clinical trial data assessed by MHRA scientists and clinicians has shown that Ronapreve may prevent infection, promote resolution of symptoms of acute Covid-19 infection and reduce the likelihood of being admitted to hospital due to Covid-19, the regulator said in a statement.
“Ronapreve is the first of its kind for the treatment of Covid-19, and after a meticulous assessment of the data by our expert scientists and clinicians, we are satisfied that this treatment is safe and effective,” said Dr Samantha Atkinson, Interim Chief Quality & Access Officer at the MHRA.
England lifted almost all remaining Covid-19 restrictions on July 19. More than 87% of people aged 16 and over in Britain have had their first dose of a vaccine and more than 76% have received both doses, according to the latest figures.
In Macau, the vaccination rate is deemed insufficient for the government to follow suit, as only about 40% of the population has been vaccinated. This has led authorities to be more rigid on border closures, as there is a long way to go until herd immunity is achieved.
In June, a study conducted by Oxford researchers found that using antibody cocktails can indeed boost immunity against the virus.
On July 1, Russia was the first country to announce the launch of a booster vaccine campaign for people vaccinated more than six months ago, in a bid to control the spread of the Delta variant.
AstraZeneca is also seeking approval for an antibody cocktail after a clinical trial showed that the drug significantly reduced the risk of developing Covid-19 symptoms.
A vaccine cocktail combining the Sputnik V and AstraZeneca vaccines also shows a high “immunity profile,” according to reports.
Last month, Pfizer-BioNTech released study results showing that people receiving a third vaccine dose six months after their second dose showed antibody responses five to 10 times higher than the levels after two doses.