Study: Combination Therapy of Tixagevimab, Cilgavimab Retains Neutralizing Activity Against Omicron Variant

Tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab (Evushield, AstraZeneca) retains neutralization activity against the omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. The combination was 273 ng/ml and 147 ng/ml in the Oxford and Washington University studies, and the levels are within range of neutralizing antibody titers found in individuals who have been previously infected with and naturally recovered from COVID-19.

The data were generated from laboratory testing using actual live virus that was isolated from individuals who contracted the omicron variant of COVID-19. Tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab is one of the only 2 antibody therapies issued emergency use authorization (EUA) by the FDA that showed neutralizing activity against omicron and all other variants of concern in these 2 studies.

"Consistent data across 3 independent studies now provide confidence that Evushield, a combination of 2 highly potent antibodies, retains neutralizing activity against the omicron variant at a level that will continue to provide benefit to patients,” said Mene Pangalos, executive vice president of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, in a press release. “Evushield is the only antibody therapy authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in the US, and we’re excited that Evushield is now available to help protect vulnerable populations, such as the immunocompromised, who are unable to mount an adequate response to vaccination and who remain at high-risk for COVID-19.”

The combination received an EUA in the US in December 2021 for the prevention of COVID-19 in people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive medications and who may not have an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, as well as those individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended.

REFERENCE

EVUSHELD long-acting antibody combination retains neutralizing activity against Omicron variant in studies from Oxford and Washington Universities. AstraZeneca. December 23, 2021. Accessed January 4, 2022. https://www.astrazeneca-us.com/content/az-us/media/press-releases/2021/evusheld-long-acting-antibody-combination-retains-neutralizing-activity-against-omicron-variant-in-studies-from-oxford-and-washington-universities.html