French health authorities have approved the use of an antibody treatment developed by AstraZeneca for individuals at high risk of contracting COVID-19, particularly those who exhibit significant resistance to COVID-19 vaccines.
The French Public Health Authority announced on Friday evening that it has given "the green light for the preventive use of Evusheld in patients at risk of severe COVID-19 infection."
Earlier this week, Evusheld, developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, received emergency use authorization in the United States for adults and children aged 12 and older, whereas the French approval allows its use only in adults.
Evusheld consists of a combination of two monoclonal antibodies and is administered in two doses. Monoclonal antibodies, which target a specific molecule of the intended virus or bacteria, are synthetic copies of natural antibodies.
Unlike most other COVID-19 treatments that are given to hospitalized patients to prevent severe symptoms, Evusheld is intended for those who have not yet been infected but may not have an adequate immune response.
The Public Health Authority warned of potential cardiovascular side effects identified during the clinical trials of the treatment and recommended against administering the drug to COVID-19 patients who have one or more risk factors, such as diabetes or obesity.
