Authored by Dr. Brian Koffman, MDCM (retired), DCFP, FCFP, DABFP, MSEd
Many CLL patients greatly benefited from the too-short window when Evusheld (AZD7442 or tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) was both authorized and very effective against the active circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. When used as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP, it provided significant protection for six months against hospitalizations and death from COVID-19 for the immune compromised community, including all those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL / SLL) regardless of their treatment status. Though the active immune protection from vaccines was not predictable in those with CLL / SLL, the passive immunity provided by the long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail was a clinically proven way to be safer re-engaging in the world.
Eventually, the virus mutated, so Evusheld could no longer neutralize the new variants, and its authorization was withdrawn.
Now there is a new trial (SUPERNOVA) of an updated mix of monoclonal antibodies that hopes to provide durable protection against present and future variants of concerns.
In the trial, one is randomized to receive either the new antibody mix or the older version of Evusheld.
Click here to learn more about the SUPERNOVA trial. The pandemic is not over for the immune-compromised. PrEP with such long-acting antibodies is a proven path forward to provide similar protection afforded to the general population with vaccines.
To view the SUPERNOVA trial on ClinicalTrials.gov, visit: Study Understanding Pre-Exposure pRophylaxis of NOVel Antibodies (SUPERNOVA) Sub-study: Study Understanding Pre-Exposure pRophylaxis of NOVel Antibodies (SUPERNOVA) Sub-study (SUPERNOVA)
Other antibodies are in development, and CLL Society recommends considering SUPERNOVA or a different trial to protect yourself and help get these therapies authorized for general use.
