Under the title "Study Resolves Debate on the Efficacy of Antibodies Against Coronavirus Variants," Sky News reported on a recent American study that has dispelled doubts about whether antibody treatments maintain their effectiveness with the emergence of new concerning viral variants. The site noted that the study, overseen by researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine, confirmed that many combination treatments of two antibodies are effective against a wide range of virus types. The study explained that these combination treatments prevent the emergence of what is known as drug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers tested the antibodies against a range of viral variants that contain key mutations in the protein genes that the novel coronavirus uses to invade cells. All antibody-based virus treatments work by interfering with the interaction between the protein and the cells. Antibodies can be described as the warriors of the immune system; when the coronavirus infects the body, the antibodies attach to the spike proteins on the virus's surface and prevent it from entering cells.
In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 treatment produced by GlaxoSmithKline in collaboration with Vir Biotechnology. The agency stated that "Sotrovimab," an experimental monoclonal antibody treatment, was authorized for use in treating COVID-19 in mild to moderate cases in adults and children aged 12 and older, as well as those at risk of worsening to severe infection. The two companies, in a separate statement, said that the treatment would be available to eligible patients in the U.S. "in the coming weeks," and added that they plan to apply for full approval of the treatment "in the second half of 2021."
