We know that vaccines don’t work to prevent COVID-19 for many in the immunocompromised community including those with CLL.
We also now know that passive immunity using monoclonal antibodies, specifically tixagevimab and cilgavimab or AZD7442, does work for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP. The PROVENT trial showed a 77% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19. The trial included some immunocompromised patients, including myself. We are eagerly waiting for that subgroup analysis. There is every reason to believe it will protect CLL and other immune-compromised patients from COVID-19, but we would like to see the data.
PrEP is a proven method for preventing infections in other diseases such as HIV and it makes sense as a strategy for the immune-compromised for COVID-19 prophylaxis.
Please take a look at this strong article published in the prestigious medical journal, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association).
CLL Society and yours truly were prominently featured. I am grateful to the excellent reporter, Rita Rubin for highlighting this important issue.
CLL Society is leading a charge with our friends at LLS and LRF to promote a quick review by the FDA of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of AZD7442 for PrEP.
There is another strong PrEP option-an open trial of the very effective antibody combination, casirivimab/imdevimab (also known as REGEN-COV), designed specifically for those unprotected by vaccinations. We soon will be posting more on A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Casirivimab+Imdevimab (Monoclonal Antibodies) for Prevention of COVID-19 in Immunocompromised Adolescents and Adults.
Stay strong. We are all in this together.
Brian Koffman MDCM (retired) MS Ed (he, him, his)
Co-Founder, Executive VP and Chief Medical Officer
CLL Society, Inc.
