The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been wreaking havoc across the world, as officials have reported more than 18.7 million confirmed cases and over 704,00 deaths.
Unfortunately, we do not have a vaccine or a specific drug for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. However, global researchers have been in the race toward developing a vaccine and drug. But then, it could take several months or even years to approve a safe and effective vaccine or drug.
Recently, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals said that its COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktail has been found effective at preventing and treating the disease in rhesus monkeys and hamsters, promoting scientists that it could work in humans as well.
The cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies, known as REGN-COV-2, was able to treat and prevent COVID-19 in rhesus macaques and hamsters.
In addition, the researchers said the animals did not show any signs of increased viral load or worsening conditions after receiving the cocktail.
Headquartered in Tarrytown, NY, Regeneron said that the animal study showed that the cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies was able to almost completely block the establishment and replications of the virus.
The scientists also said the antibody-drug cocktail was able to reduce COVID-19 infection in another animal study, where the subjects were exposed to higher levels of the coronavirus.
The biotechnology company said that REGN-COV2 cleared the virus much faster, suggesting that the therapy could offer clinical benefit in treating, as well as, preventing COVID-19.
In July, Regeneron announced that it has signed a deal of $450 million with the federal government to manufacture and supply REGN-COV2.
President and CEO of Regeneron Dr. Leonard Schleifer said in a statement, “Regeneron’s thirty years of investment in our innovative VelociSuite® antibody discovery and development technologies and our large-scale manufacturing facilities, coupled with the expertise and passion of our people, has enabled us to move the REGN-COV2 program forward at remarkable speed.”
“We made the decision early on to begin large-scale manufacturing at our own risk to ensure that product would be available immediately if our clinical trials prove successful and an Emergency Use Authorization is granted,” he added.
“This manufacturing and supply agreement with BARDA and the Department of Defense could help REGN-COV2 reach many people quickly, hopefully helping to change the course of this deadly and still-raging pandemic,” Dr. Schleifer continued.
In the United States, the virus has sickened more than 4.9 million people and killed over 160,000 so far with a few states reporting a spike in new cases Brazil trails behind the United States, with more than 96,000 deaths, followed by India, Russia, South Africa, and Mexico.
