WASHINGTON: US health authorities on Wednesday authorised the use of synthetic antibodies developed by AstraZeneca to prevent COVID-19 infections in people who react badly to vaccines.
The FDA warned the drug Evusheld is"not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is recommended" and can only be authorised for people who have a weakened immune system or those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, such a strong allergic reaction.Evusheld combines two types of synthetic antibodies , and is given as two intramuscular injections, one straight after the other.
The drug was given to 3,500 people while 1,700 received a placebo. The trial showed that the treatment cut the risk of developing COVID-19 by 77 per cent.