Monoclonal antibody therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses monoclonal antibodies (mAb).
It’s given as an injection under the skin or through a drip into a vein.
The treatment works in many different ways. It can work in a vaccine-like way, protecting a patient from severe disease, or can help to stimulate the patient’s immune system to attack antigens.
Hybridoma technology is one method for producing large numbers of monoclonal antibodies – identical antibodies that are clones of a unique parent cell.
The process starts by injecting an animal, such as a mouse, with an antigen that provokes an immune response.
B cells produces antibodies that bind to the antigen. These antibody producing B-cells are then harvested and used to culture more antibodies.
The monoclonal antibodies are screened against their ability to work, with initial experiments in animals.
GlaxoSmithKline Vir-7831
Does it work?
A global phase three clinical trial of 583 patients showed the drug cuts the risk of infected Covid patients dying by up to 85 per cent.
A separate lab study has found Vir-7831 is effective against the main current Covid variants, including the Kent, South African and Brazilian strains, the firm said.
Has it been approved?
Not yet, but GSK plans to immediately seek an emergency use authorisation in the US and approval in other countries.
Eli Lilly bamlanivimab
Does it work?
Phase three clinical trials in October showed bamlanivab was effective in treating mild-to-moderate Covid patients.
But research released in February suggests the drug is ineffective against the South African and Brazilian Covid strains.
Has it been approved?
The US Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorisation to bamlanivimab for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid in adult and pediatric patients in November last year.
Eli Lilly etesevimab
Does it work?
A phase three clinical trial of 769 people aged 12 and over with mild-to-moderate Covid yesterday showed etesevimab to be effective in treating Covid when administered in combination with bamlanivimab.
The trial included people who were considered high-risk because of their age or underlying conditions.
Has it been approved?
The US Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorisation for bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid in adults and pediatric patients.
Etesevimab has not been given authorisation for treatment on its own.
Regeneron
Does it work?
Regeneron’s coronavirus antibody drug reduces the risk of getting Covid after exposure by 50 percent, January trial results suggest.
The treatment prevented all of the 186 people who got the drug after being exposed to coronavirus from developing symptomatic Covid.
Former US President Donald Trump was given the drug as part of his successful treatment for Covid in November.
Has it been approved?
Regeneron’s cocktail has been given emergency use authorisation by the FDA.
Although it wasn’t approved, the company agreed to supply a single dose for Mr Trump at the request of his physician under ‘compassionate use’ provisions.