WeDoctor Launches First-in-Mainland China Appointment Service for AstraZeneca's Long-Acting Antibody Evusheld in Hong Kong

On January 16, WeDoctor launched reservations in mainland China for the administration of AstraZeneca’s long-acting neutralizing antibody combination therapy for COVID-19, Evusheld, in Hong Kong. This initiative provides a new preventive option against COVID-19 for individuals with compromised or weakened immune systems, as well as those who travel frequently and face a higher risk of reinfection. Starting January 16, eligible users can make online appointments through channels such as the “WeDoctor” WeChat mini-program and the WeDoctor app. Upon successful booking, they may travel to Hong Kong independently to receive Evusheld at WeDoctor’s partnered medical institutions. The first designated partner, Hong Kong Maijikang Medical Center, has already begun offering this service.

Evusheld is the world’s first drug approved for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It received Emergency Use Authorization in the United States in December 2021 and has since obtained marketing approvals in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other countries and regions. In May 2022, Evusheld was granted conditional approval by the Department of Health of Hong Kong, China.

Evusheld consists of two long-acting, fully human monoclonal antibodies—cilgavimab and tixagevimab. It mimics the body’s natural antibody defense mechanism by binding to distinct sites on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, thereby reducing the virus’s ability to enter and infect healthy cells and facilitating the clearance of already infected cells.

As a long-acting neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2, Evusheld is primarily indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis in adults and adolescents, particularly those who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems (including patients with malignant hematologic tumors or other cancers undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy, patients undergoing dialysis, and patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis who are receiving immunosuppressive medications). Additionally, Evusheld can be administered to individuals aged ≥12 years and weighing ≥40 kg, especially those who travel frequently or plan to visit countries and regions with a high risk of infection.

The latest clinical data from the University of Washington School of Medicine demonstrate that Evusheld exhibits potent neutralizing activity against the highly transmissible Omicron BA.2 subvariant of SARS-CoV-2. Related studies further indicate that Evusheld can neutralize the Omicron BA.1 and BA.1.1 subvariants, as well as all Variants of Concern (VOCs) identified to date.

Meanwhile, individuals with a prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (“recovered” patients) can receive Evusheld once their nucleic acid or antigen tests return negative results (typically 8–15 days after the onset of initial symptoms). This provides timely and effective protection for immunocompromised populations, helping to prevent secondary SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Previously, WeDoctor partnered with Fosun Health to launch appointment services for the BioNTech vaccine in Hong Kong, providing a new option for those seeking COVID-19 vaccination. This time, WeDoctor has initiated appointment bookings for the administration of AstraZeneca’s Evusheld antibody therapy in Hong Kong, once again offering users an additional effective choice for protection. Moving forward, the WeDoctor platform will roll out more convenient and accessible services for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, working together to safeguard public health.