FDA authorizes new Covid-19 monoclonal antibody that works against Omicron variant

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight harmful pathogens like the coronavirus. Bebtelovimab, made by Eli Lilly and Company, is a monoclonal antibody given through intravenous injection.

 

On Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it had purchased 600,000 treatment courses of the treatment. HHS is set to get half of the contract in February and the rest in March. The contract also includes an option to buy 500,000 more courses. The contract is worth at least $720 million, according to Eli Lilly.

Bebtelovimab can be used to treat people 12 and older who have mild to moderate Covid-19 and are at high risk of a severe form of the disease or for whom other treatment options aren't accessible or clinically appropriate. It is not authorized for hospitalized patients or those who need oxygen therapy.  ...