Research center runs two clinical trials testing LAAB combination treatment: UCLH (Representative)
London:
Scientists in the UK have begun trials of innovative antibody drug therapies that they hope will provide immediate protection against COVID-19.
The University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH) said the researchers in the Storm Chase study believe that AntiBody Long Acting (LAAB) called AZD7442, developed by AstraZeneca, could provide immediate and immediate protection. long-term exposure to people who have recently been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and prevented from developing COVID-19.
The study, led by UCLH pathologist Dr Catherine Houlihan, recruited the world’s first participant for the study earlier this month and has since recruited 10 participants. .
“We know that this antibody mixture can neutralize the virus, so we hope to find out that giving this treatment by injection can lead to immediate protection against COVID development. -19 in people who have been exposed – when it would be too late to offer a vaccine, “Houlihan said.
UCLH said its new vaccine testing center is running two clinical trials testing the LAAB combination treatment to protect against COVID-19.
The second Provent study looks at the use of AZD7442 in people who do not respond to vaccines, for example where someone has an immune system or is at increased risk of COVID-19 infection due to factors such as age and existing conditions.
“We employ people who are older or in long-term care, and who have illnesses such as cancer and HIV that can affect their immune system’s ability to respond to vaccines.
“We want to reassure anyone who doesn’t have a vaccine that we can offer an equally protective alternative,” said Dr Nicky Longley, a UCLH infectious disease consultant who is leading the Provent study.
Antibodies are the protein molecules that the body makes to help fight disease. Monoclonal antibodies are expertly manufactured in a laboratory and designed as potential medical treatments. They are designed to be injected directly into the body, unlike vaccines that “train” the immune system itself to produce antibodies.
“These two clinical trials are an important addition to the testing of new therapeutic approaches, as antibody therapies may provide an alternative to groups of patients who cannot benefit from vaccination, such as vaccinated patients. , “said Dr Stephen Powis, medical director of the National Health Service (NHS) England.
The LAABs are engineered with AstraZeneca’s “proprietary” half-life extension technology to increase the durability of the treatment for six to 12 months after a single administration. The combination of two LAABs is also designed to reduce the risk of contagion developed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
“AZD7442 has the potential to be an important immune and therapeutic treatment against COVID-19, targeting the most vulnerable patients. This work contributes to our vaccine development program,” said Mene Pangalos , AztraZeneca Executive Vice President for BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development.
“Storm Chaser is studying the use of a combination of intramuscularly administered monoclonal antibodies in those who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 – a condition where the vaccine would not have time to work and does not. We have other diagnostic treatments to date. Storm Chaser is an important study that could have a significant impact on our ability to control this disease, “noted Dr. Andrew Ustianowski, a lead researcher. on the new studies.
UCLH said that in both Provent and Storm Chaser, researchers assess whether the treatment reduces the risk of developing COVID-19 and / or reduces the severity of the disease compared to ri placebo.
Key participating groups in the Storm Chaser trial include health care workers, students living in group residences, and patients exposed to anyone with the SARS virus -CoV-2 plus long-term care facility residents and industrial / military settings. .
Both trials are underway at the newly created Vaccine Research Center at UCLH, which opened this month to help accelerate the development of new vaccines and treatments during the COVID- pandemic outbreak. 19.
“Both Storm Chaser and Provent are critical to resolving this pandemic,” said Professor Vincenzo Libri, who leads the UCLH Clinical Research Facility with support from the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) .
“The opening of our new Vaccine Research Center will help boost our fight against the virus, meet our desire to save as many lives as possible, and ensure a return to regularity. , “he said.
“The recent progress on vaccines is very welcome, and the development of these additional treatments will be crucial in ensuring that everyone in society is protected against COVID-19,” he said. -Professor Marcel Levi, Chief Executive of UCLH.