Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAn analysis of more than 5,000 volunteers found the antibody cocktail \u2013 known as AZD7442 – offered 83 per cent protection over six months.<\/p>\n
None of the participants were given a Covid vaccination.<\/p>\n
Preventative treatment offers a real alternative for those who are at risk, such as patients with blood cancer or transplant recipients.<\/p>\n
Experts believe that around 2 percent of the population has a weak immune system. This is approximately 1 million Brits adults.<\/p>\n
In a separate study, patients receiving the drug within 3 days after falling ill with Covid had their symptoms reduced by 88 percent.<\/p>\n
The treatment is performed in one session, rather than two separate shots.<\/p>\n
AstraZeneca Executive Vice President Mene Pangalos said: \u201cThese new data add to the growing body of evidence supporting AZD7442’s potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are progressing regulatory filings around the world and look forward to providing an important new option against SARS-CoV-2 as quickly as possible.”<\/p>\n
The treatment was more effective than double-vaccination in protecting against Covid illnesses over the long term, according to the results.<\/p>\n
Five months following the second injection, immunity drops to between 67% and 74%.<\/p>\n
Prof Penny Ward, Visiting Professor in Pharmaceutical Medicine at Kings College, London, said: \u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf may yet come to be considered an important adjunctive treatment for cancer patients and others needing immune suppressing therapy for other diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n
It’s too late for Plan B, as the European winter chill causes an increase in Covid cases and lockdowns<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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