Glaxo antibody treatment, effective in omicron mutations

GlaxoSmithKline Plc said research shows that its COVID-19 antibody treatment is effective against the full combination of mutations in the new omicron variant.

In vitro tests against a pseudovirus that recreates a synthesized version of omicron showed that sotrovimab, Glaxo’s antibody treatment, resists all mutations in the spike protein of the omicron variant and not just key mutations, the pharmaceutical laboratory in a statement.

The tests included all 37 mutations identified to date in the spike protein.

Glaxo’s observations come amid uncertainty about whether and to what extent the omicron variant affects the defenses of existing drugs and vaccines.

Its various mutations, particularly in the spike protein, which is the target of most treatments, have caused worldwide concern and frightened financial markets.

Shares of Vir Biotechnology Inc., a co-developer of the drug, rose Tuesday in New York. Glaxo was advancing in London after a study showed that the British drugmaker’s vaccine developed in conjunction with Medicago Inc. proved effective against a number of COVID variants.

Given the less than three-fold decline in neutralization during testing, “We are confident that sotrovimab will continue to provide an important benefit for the early treatment of patients in the hope of avoiding the most serious consequences of COVID-19″ Said Vir CEO George Scangos.

Sotrovimab reduced the risk of hospitalization and death in people with mild to moderate COVID symptoms by 79% in trials. The drug gained approval from UK regulators this month.

Glaxo said last week that the drug was effective against key mutations in the omicron variant, but more recent tests provide more certainty that it might resist the variant.

Injected antibodies are just one tool in the arsenal of treatments against COVID, but they could be key for immunosuppressed people who do not generate an adequate response to vaccines, and help reduce the effects of the virus in those most susceptible to developing severe conditions. of the illness.