Sotrovimab is an experimental monoclonal antibody therapy developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology that has been designed to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. It is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies (GSK4182136 and VIR-7831) that are designed to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, blocking the entry of the virus into cells. By binding to the virus, it helps to prevent the virus from replicating and spreading. In preclinical studies, Sotrovimab has shown to reduce the amount of virus in the body, which can reduce the severity of the disease and may help to prevent hospitalization. Sotrovimab is currently being tested in clinical trials to assess its safety and effectiveness in treating COVID-19.
Sotrovimab, also known by the brand name Xevudy, is a medication used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Type of medication:
- Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody. This means it's a lab-made protein designed to mimic the immune system's antibodies that fight off infections.
How it works:
- Sotrovimab specifically targets the spike protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19.
- By attaching to the spike protein, Sotrovimab prevents the virus from entering and infecting healthy cells. This helps reduce the amount of virus in the body and potentially lessen the severity of illness.
Uses:
- Sotrovimab is authorized for emergency use to treat adults and children (12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg) who have:
- Tested positive for COVID-19
- Developed mild-to-moderate symptoms
- Are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
- High-risk factors can include older age, obesity, underlying medical conditions (e.g., lung, kidney, or heart disease, diabetes).
Important to know:
- Sotrovimab is typically administered as a single intravenous (IV) infusion over about 30 minutes in a healthcare setting.
- It's most effective when given within 5-7 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Sotrovimab is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination remains the primary strategy for preventing COVID-19 infection.
Potential side effects:
- Sotrovimab may cause some side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, feeling infusion site reactions (e.g., redness, itching).
- Serious allergic reactions are also possible, though rare.