In the UK, trials have begun on a new drug that can prevent coronavirus infection. The Guardian newspaper reports.
The antibody-based drug was developed by specialists from the medical institutions of University College London and the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The drug is expected to provide immediate immunity against infection and protect against COVID-19 for 6 to 12 months.
“It would be a great addition to the arsenal of weapons being developed to combat this terrible virus,” said study leader Dr. Catherine Hoolihan.
If approved, the drug will be available in March or April. It is supposed to be provided as an emergency care for hospital patients and nursing home residents.
There are currently several COVID-19 vaccines in the world. So, in Russia two vaccines are registered: “Sputnik V” and “EpiVacCorona”. On December 5, Moscow started vaccination against coronavirus with Sputnik V. The United States and the United Kingdom also began inoculating the population with Pfizer / BioNTech. In addition, the drug developed by Moderna was allowed in the country. British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has also announced the start of clinical trials for a combination of its AZD1222 vaccine.
