AstraZeneca PLC on Wednesday said its Evusheld antibody reduces the risk of serious Covid-19 symptoms or death from the virus in vulnerable sufferers.
A phase III outpatient treatment showed the drug provides ‘clinically and statistically significant protection against progression’ to a severe form of Covid-19 compared to a placebo.
AstraZeneca said Evusheld reduced the risk of severe Covid-19 or death by 50% compared to a placebo dose through 29. Trial participants were non-hospitalised patients with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 and who were symptomatic for seven days or fewer. The trial met its primary endpoint.
The company noted 90% of the participants were at high risk of progression to severe Covid-19, due to their age or other medical conditions.
Hugh Montgomery, the trial’s principal investigator, said: ‘Despite the success of vaccines, many individuals such as older adults, individuals with co-morbidities and those who are immunocompromised, remain at risk for poor outcomes from severe Covid-19. Additional options are needed to prevent disease progression and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, especially with the continued emergence of new variants. The Tackle results show that one intramuscular dose of Evusheld can prevent these individuals from progressing to severe Covid-19, with earlier treatment leading to even better results.’
AstraZeneca shares were 1.0% higher at 10,333.20 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
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