This is huge news.
This is the first study to show that pre-exposure prophylaxis, (PReP), with a mix of a long acting intramuscular (IM) injection of anti-COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies (AZD7442) is not only protective, significantly, it is protective in a high-risk population where “more than 75% of participants had co-morbidities, which include conditions that have been reported to cause a reduced immune response to vaccination”.
There was a 77% reduction versus placebo in symptomatic COVID-19 with no deaths or severe disease in the active arm.
Side effects were similar between the placebo and active drug.
In “vitro” data suggest it will be effective against the delta strain. And early results seem to say that it doesn’t interfere with vaccine response. The one time “shots” given IM in the buttocks provide six to twelve months of protection.
Here is a link to background information on the trial we published back in March: Phase III Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of AZD7442 for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19 in Adults. (PROVENT): Worth Considering for Any Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Patient
For more on the trial results, see the official press release: AZD7442 PROVENT Phase III Prophylaxis Trial Met Primary Endpoint in Preventing COVID-19.
This passive immunity prophylaxis offers hope for the many CLL patients who may not be well protected by vaccinations, even with a booster shot.
In full disclosure, I enrolled in this trial, and I am thrilled with this news. We are eagerly awaiting the full results.
Stay strong. We are all in this together.
Brian
Brian Koffman MDCM (retired) MS Ed
Co-Founder, Executive VP and Chief Medical Officer
CLL Society, Inc.
