New antibody cocktail shot ‘as good as Covid jabs’ at protecting people with weak immune systems

Trial data shows that a single antibody treatment is just as effective at stopping Covid, as evidenced by trial data.

AstraZeneca has developed the jab to treat patients with weakened immune system who are often unable to respond to vaccinations.

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An analysis of more than 5,000 volunteers found the antibody cocktail – known as AZD7442 – offered 83 per cent protection over six months.

None of the participants were given a Covid vaccination.

Preventative treatment offers a real alternative for those who are at risk, such as patients with blood cancer or transplant recipients.

Experts believe that around 2 percent of the population has a weak immune system. This is approximately 1 million Brits adults.

In a separate study, patients receiving the drug within 3 days after falling ill with Covid had their symptoms reduced by 88 percent.

The treatment is performed in one session, rather than two separate shots.

AstraZeneca Executive Vice President Mene Pangalos said: “These new data add to the growing body of evidence supporting AZD7442’s potential.

“We are progressing regulatory filings around the world and look forward to providing an important new option against SARS-CoV-2 as quickly as possible.”

The treatment was more effective than double-vaccination in protecting against Covid illnesses over the long term, according to the results.

Five months following the second injection, immunity drops to between 67% and 74%.

Prof Penny Ward, Visiting Professor in Pharmaceutical Medicine at Kings College, London, said: “This antibody cocktail is, uniquely, capable of offering long lasting protection from Covid to patients that are immunosuppressed and may not have responded effectively to vaccination.

“If may yet come to be considered an important adjunctive treatment for cancer patients and others needing immune suppressing therapy for other diseases.”