Based on the antibody cocktail, the drug “retained neutralizing activity” against Omicron’s highly contagious sub-variant BA.2 in laboratory tests, Reuters reported, citing AstraZeneca’s announcement.
In Europe, the product has not yet been approved for use, the procedure of its verification is still ongoing. In late 2021, the drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for severe COVID-19 symptoms in people with weak immune systems or a history of serious side effects from coronavirus vaccines.
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Recently, the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide is rising again. A new Omicron sub-variant has appeared: BA.2. Therefore, studies on the effectiveness of the drug in the case of subsequent Omikron mutations are in progress.
In December, the manufacturer of the drug reported that the Epreparat retained its neutralizing effect against Omikron in the study. Now, according to Reuters, citing AstraZeneka’s announcement, data from a recent Washington University study (Omicron sub-variants BA.1, BA.1.1 and BA.2) showed that the treatment reduced the amount of virus detected in the lungs of mice. The drug “also reduces inflammation in the lungs”. The study is still waiting for verification.
The COVID Drug and the Vaccine
While vaccines stimulate a well-functioning immune system to make antibodies and cells to fight infection, AstraZeneki contains antibodies made in the laboratory and which are intended to stay in the body for months. It is a help for people with a weak immune system.
Have you been infected with COVID-19 and are worried about the side effects? Check your health by completing a comprehensive research package for convalescents.
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