AstraZeneca has asked Health Canada to examine a new combination of long-acting antibodies that could be used to prevent, like a vaccine, symptoms of COVID-19, especially in the most vulnerable.
If approved, this would be the very first antibody protection of its kind in Canada.
The pharmaceutical company says its clinical trials have shown that the antibody treatment is well tolerated and reduced the risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 by 77%, compared to a placebo.
AstraZeneca Canada says this preventative measure could be a good option for vulnerable populations who do not develop a strong immune response from traditional vaccination.
“This is an important option, especially for vulnerable populations like those who are immunocompromised and who are often not able to build a protective response after vaccination,” said Dr Alex Romanovschi, vice -President of Scientific Affairs of AstraZeneca Canada.
“With this review from Health Canada, we are getting closer to an additional option for long-lasting protection against COVID-19, in addition to vaccines. “
The drug is a combination of two long-acting antibodies derived from cells donated by patients with COVID-19. The antibodies would be given in two injections, one immediately after the other, and could offer up to a year of protection against the virus.
While a vaccine effectively teaches the body to make its own antibodies over a short period of time, AstraZeneca’s new product would provide antibodies ready to immediately start fighting the virus.
They could be used in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccines, Dr Romanovschi said, or offered to people who are allergic or who cannot tolerate a vaccine.
“Another area we can look at is people at increased risk for infections. For example, healthcare professionals or long-term care workers. These people could also benefit from additional protection, ”he said.
AstraZeneca Canada says this preventative measure could be a good option for vulnerable populations who do not develop a strong immune response from traditional vaccination.
The company says preliminary results also show that these antibodies neutralize recent variants of the coronavirus, including Delta and Mu.
Health Canada has previously indicated that all COVID-19 vaccine and drug submissions are prioritized and reviewed promptly.