What does the antibody cocktail approved by India contain and how does it work?

Pharma giant Roche India has received the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for a COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktail in the country for the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

What is it? 

Roche’s antibody cocktail contains two antibodies, casirivimab and imdevimab and is used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid-19 in high-risk patients. It is developed by Roche and Regeneron.

Casirivimab and Imdevimab is approved at a combined dose of 1200 mg (600 mg of each drug) administered by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous route.

It has to be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Casirivimab and Imdevimab are human immunoglobulin G-1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibodies produced by recombinant DNA technology.

How does it work? 

The antibodies are specifically directed against spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and are designed to block virus’ attachment and entry into human cells. “The cocktail remains efficacious against widest spread variants,” Roche said.

The antibody treatment was administered to former US President Donald Trump after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Roche will import the antibody cocktail, which will be marketed and distributed in India via a strategic partnership with Cipla Ltd.