Antibody cocktail reduces COVID-19 hospitalization, death risk

Data released this week by Eli Lilly showed treatment with a combination of the company’s COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies bamlanivimab and etesevimab reduced the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths by 70% among a group of more than 1,000 high-risk patients enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Another trial using lower doses of the drugs also showed positive results, which could allow the company to extend its supplies to more people. In a separate news release, the Regeneron Pharmaceuticals said results from the Phase 3 trial of its COVID-19 antibody cocktail indicated it could work as a passive vaccine. The company reported half as many infections and no symptomatic infections in its treatment group (186 people) as compared to the placebo group (223 people). (Ely Lilly news release, 1/26/21)