Resource: The FDA Grants Emergency Approval to Eli Lilly’s Antibody Treatment
Source: New York Times
Synopsis: The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency authorization of a COVID-19 treatment made by the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. The treatment is approved for people 12 and older who have tested positive and are at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19 or being hospitalized for the condition.
Comment: There are two antibody treatments currently promoted to treat COVID-19 infection. A polyclonal antibody treatment from Regeneron. However, Eli Lily has the first antibody treatment to be awarded emergency use authorization from the FDA. The clinical indications are limited for the Eli Lily antibody treatment known as bamlanivimab. In other words, you cannot receive this antibody treatment if you are already hospitalized because it may lead to worsening of the COVID-19 infection in patients who require supplemental oxygen and or ventilation. To make the matter more confusing Eli Lily states there is no benefit in reducing mortality from their antibody treatment. They do state it will reduce hospitalization and emergency room visits in the 28 days after receiving the intravenous therapy.
