Regeneron Antibody Cocktail Proved Effective Against COVID-19

More good news from BCW member Regeneron Pharmaceuticals which this week released a new analysis of data showing that its monoclonal antibody cocktail known as REGEN-COV is effective against Covid-19 infection.

Positive results from a Phase 3 trial jointly run with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases showed that the drug reduces by 81.6% the risk of being infected by the Covid-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2. The data are from an ongoing clinical trial in which a group of participants received a 1,200-milligram dose of the drug in four injections administered under the skin.

The clinical trial involved 1,683 people who were tested to be sure they were not infected with Covid and did not have antibodies for the virus. Participants in the trial received either the Regeneron drug or a placebo. It was a double-blind study that initially kept secret the identities of participants who received the monoclonal antibodies and those who did not.

“Today’s new data demonstrate how a single dose of REGEN-COV can help protect people from Covid-19 for many months after administration,” said Myron S. Cohen, a doctor who leads the monoclonal antibody efforts for the Covid Prevention Network, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

George D. Yancopoulos, President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron, said, “These data add to the increasing body of evidence supporting use of REGEN-COV to prevent Covid-19 in uninfected individuals, which may be especially useful for the many immunocompromised people who do not respond adequately to vaccines. With infections still occurring despite widespread vaccination, the immunocompromised face an ongoing risk of encountering the virus during their daily lives.”

Yancopoulos and Regeneron CEO Leonard Schleifer were awarded the BCW’s 2021 Global Leadership Laureate at last month’s Annual Dinner for their innovation, their development of the REGEN-COV therapy for post-exposure prevention of Covid-19, and for the company’s multi-billion-dollar investments in Westchester County.