Monoclonal Antibody Injection Demonstrates Significant Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Nasal Passages

Beijing, January 27 (Science and Technology Daily) — (Reporter Liu Xia) According to a report on the 26th by the U.S. magazine Science website, preliminary research results from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the United States indicate that injecting healthy individuals with the company’s developed monoclonal antibodies against the novel coronavirus can prevent these subjects from developing significant symptoms after exposure to the virus.

In a press release issued that day, Regeneron revealed that after administering a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies to 186 individuals who shared living quarters with confirmed COVID-19 patients, none developed symptoms of COVID-19.

The trial is still ongoing, and the results have not yet been published in peer-reviewed journals. Nevertheless, the company stated that analysis of nasal swab samples from participants showed a significant reduction in the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in the noses of those who received the antibody injection, compared to those in the placebo group who contracted COVID-19.

Among the treatments for COVID-19, antibodies have long been held in high expectation. Antibodies bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, thereby preventing the virus from infecting cells.

A significant advantage of monoclonal antibodies is that they take effect immediately after being injected into the human body, whereas it takes several weeks for stable immunity to develop after vaccination. Monoclonal antibodies are also effective for immunocompromised individuals who fail to mount a strong immune response following vaccination. Penny Ward, a clinician at King’s College London, stated, “This approach [monoclonal antibodies] can protect patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, control or prevent outbreaks of COVID-19, and alleviate the burden on healthcare services.”

U.S. pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly stated on January 21 that its antibody drug can prevent residents and staff in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities from contracting COVID-19. Compared to those receiving a placebo within the same care facility, residents and staff who received the antibody drug "bamlanivimab" had a 57% lower risk of contracting COVID-19. When evaluating only nursing home residents, the risk of infection was reduced by up to 80%.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the monoclonal antibodies developed by Eli Lilly and Regeneron, approving their use as therapeutic agents in certain populations.

Nevertheless, Science magazine noted in its report that although several vaccines are now available to combat the novel coronavirus, monoclonal antibodies are expensive, and many questions remain regarding how to leverage antibodies to overcome the virus.