Casirivimab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug used to treat COVID-19. It is a combination of two mAb drugs, casirivimab and imdevimab, which are administered together intravenously as a single infusion. Casirivimab and imdevimab work together to neutralize the virus that causes COVID-19, helping to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Casirivimab and imdevimab are currently authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in combination with bamlanivimab to treat COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with mild to moderate disease.
Casirivimab is a monoclonal antibody medication used in combination with another monoclonal antibody, imdevimab, under the brand name Xevudy for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
How it works:
- Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins designed to mimic the immune system's ability to fight specific substances, like viruses.
- Casirivimab works by binding to the spike protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19.
- This binding blocks the virus from entering and infecting healthy cells.
Key points about Casirivimab:
- Indication:
- Treatment: For mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and adolescents who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness.
- Prevention: For post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent COVID-19 in adults and adolescents who have been exposed to the virus and are at high risk of severe illness.
- Dosage and administration: Administered by intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional.
- Not a substitute for vaccination: Casirivimab is not a substitute for COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination remains the primary strategy for preventing COVID-19.
- Potential side effects: Common side reactions include infusion site reactions, headache, fatigue, and nausea. More serious side effects, though rare, are possible.
- Important considerations:
- Casirivimab should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a healthcare setting.
- It is not effective for treating severe COVID-19 that requires hospitalization.
- Its long-term safety and efficacy are still being studied.