A Short Update on the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in COVID-19

Overview

Journal AAPS J

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2024 Mar 5

PMID 38443725

Authors

Antonio Vitiello

Michela Sabbatucci

Annarita Ponzo

Antonio Salzano

Andrea Zovi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies in the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 have been crucial in reducing severe infections when vaccines were unavailable. However, as the virus and its variants have changed over time, the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies has been questioned. This technical note highlights the need to assess the antiviral activity of these antibodies against new variants and adapt treatment strategies accordingly. On the one hand, in vitro studies have suggested reduced susceptibility of the latest variants to monoclonal antibodies, whereas clinical data still show benefits in reducing severe illness and mortality, indicating that laboratory results do not always mirror real-world outcomes. As a result, although resistance to monoclonal antibodies can develop over time, they could still have an important role in COVID-19 treatment, especially when used in combination, and ongoing research aims to identify effective antibodies against new variants.

Citing Articles

Therapeutic Strategies to Combat Increasing Rates of Multidrug Resistant Pathogens.

Vitiello A, Rezza G, Silenzi A, Salzano A, Alise M, Boccellino M Pharm Res. 2024; 41(8):1557-1571.

PMID: 39107513 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03756-5.

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