THD NewsDesk, LONDON: London- based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca (AZN.L) has commenced the testing of a series of antibodies for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 infection. This has surfaced as the latest addition to the hunt for solutions to the COVID-19 disease as of 25th August 2020.
The well-acclaimed pharmaceutical firm has emerged as a leading contender in the race of finding an efficacious vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. AstraZeneca confirmed that it would evaluate the safety and reliability of the drug AZD7442 (a combination of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)). A total of 48 healthy participants of ages between 18 to 55 were chosen as participants.
The continuity of production of AZD7442 would entirely rely on the success of the UK-based initial staged trials on all the 48 participants. The drug would then be authorized to be used for both treatment and prevention of the Coronavirus disease. This would be done in a study targeting mid to late phase of the disease.
AstraZeneca shares went up about 1% at 87 pounds ($114) in early trading following the imminent announcement.
The development of mAbs has been globally recognized and appreciated by the experts. The testing authorities and pharmacies, including Regeneron (REGN.O), Eli Lilly (LLY.N), and Roche (ROG.S) are currently in the process of testing the efficiency of the drug.
Such measures are essential in the development of a vaccine and are vital to control and contain the pandemic at the earliest.