(ANSA) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 24 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a treatment based on the combination of two monoclonal antibodies, casirivimab and imdevimab, produced by Regeneron, for two specific categories of Covid patients. The first is that of patients with minor illness who are however at high risk of hospitalization; the second concerns those who are in serious or critical conditions without having shown an immune response to Covid. This was announced by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on its website.
The first recommendation is based on new evidence from three studies that have not yet been peer-reviewed, but show that casirivimab and imdevimab likely reduce the risk of hospitalization and duration of symptoms in those at higher risk of serious illness, such as unvaccinated, elderly, or immunosuppressed patients. The second recommendation is based on data from the Recovery study showing that the two antibodies likely reduce deaths (ranging from 49 fewer in 1,000 seriously ill to 87 fewer in critically ill) and the need for mechanical ventilation in seronegative patients.
Casirivimab and imdevimab, BMJ explains, when used together, bind to the spike protein SARS-CoV-2, neutralizing the virus's ability to infect cells.
The panel recognized several cost and resource implications associated with this treatment, which can make access to low- and middle-income countries difficult.
For this reason, WHO has urged manufacturers and governments to intervene on the high price and limited production of the combination of antibodies, and to ensure safe and appropriate handling of the medicine.
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