WHO recommends now not utilizing two antibody therapies in opposition to Covid-19 – rts.ch

Within the newest model of their information to anti-Covid therapies, revealed in a single day from Thursday to Friday within the British Medical Journal, WHO specialists “strongly suggest” to not use Xevudy (based mostly on the molecule sotrovimab) and Ronapreve (casirivimab-imdevimab mixture).

These two therapies with artificial antibodies in opposition to Covid have to date been advisable with warning by the WHO for sufferers with a gentle type of the illness with a danger of development to a extra critical type.

>> Learn: Switzerland buys medicines for the prevention of Covid-19

New round remdesivir

However the arrival of the Omicron variant on the finish of 2021 known as into query the curiosity of those therapies and WHO specialists, on the premise of a number of in vitro research, now imagine that they’re in all probability ineffective in opposition to the strains in circulation.

The specialists have, on the identical time, up to date suggestions on different therapies, particularly remdesivir from the Gilead laboratory. This therapy, which the WHO had beforehand solely advisable to be used within the case of a gentle type of Covid, can, within the gentle of latest research, be thought-about in sure critical circumstances, in response to specialists.

Nonetheless, in probably the most critical circumstances, known as “vital”, the research don’t present a advantage of remdesivir. Consultants subsequently advise in opposition to its use in these circumstances. Even in circumstances the place it may be used, this therapy has solely a “modest” curiosity with a level of certainty which is just “reasonable”, nevertheless warn the specialists.

>> Learn additionally: Strategies used for individuals in respiratory misery on account of Covid-19

Remedy approved and reimbursed in Switzerland

On the identical time, the corporate AstraZeneca introduced on Thursday {that a} therapy in opposition to Covid-19 had acquired emergency authorization from Swissmedic, and could be reimbursed by the Confederation or medical health insurance underneath sure situations. Based on AstraZeneca, the Confederation has already ordered 5,000 doses.

>> Examine it: Monoclonal antibodies in opposition to Covid for individuals in danger

In a press launch, the pharmaceutical laboratory specifies that this primary drug prophylaxis reimbursed in Switzerland is a mixture of tixagevimab and cilgavimab antibodies (AZD7442). It’s supposed for sufferers in danger who, regardless of a number of vaccinations, haven’t been capable of generate adequate immune defenses in opposition to Covid-19. Both immunocompromised individuals affected by most cancers, rheumatoid arthritis or transplant recipients.

Switzerland has roughly 200,000 immunocompromised sufferers. Consultants estimate that there are round 10,000 high-risk sufferers within the nation.

Swissmedic has approved the therapy on an accelerated foundation and for a restricted interval. It may be administered to adults and younger individuals from the age of 12. Different functions for approval, particularly for therapy after publicity to Covid, are being examined. The product is run as an intramuscular injection.

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