EVUSHELD long-acting antibody combination retains neutralizing activity against Omicron variant in studies from Oxford and Washington Universities

Rhea-AI Summary

AstraZeneca's EVUSHELD, a long-acting antibody therapy for COVID-19 prevention, shows retained neutralization efficacy against the Omicron variant, as reported by studies from University College Oxford and Washington University. With an IC50 of 273 ng/ml and 147 ng/ml, the data indicate promising neutralizing activity, ensuring its role in protecting vulnerable populations. EVUSHELD is the only antibody authorized in the US for pre-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19, and its Emergency Use Authorization was granted in December 2021. Future publications will detail these findings further.

Positive

• EVUSHELD retains neutralization activity against the Omicron variant.
• IC50 values indicate effective neutralizing potency at 273 ng/ml and 147 ng/ml.
• Only authorized antibody therapy in the US for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19.
• Data supports continued use in vulnerable populations unable to mount adequate vaccination responses.

Negative

• EVUSHELD has not been FDA-approved, only granted Emergency Use Authorization.
• Potential risks of treatment failure due to resistant viral variants.
• Limited clinical data available; serious and unexpected adverse events may occur.

One of only two authorized antibody therapies showing activity against Omicron and all other variants of concern in these studies

Only antibody authorized in the US for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AstraZeneca’s EVUSHELD (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab), a long-acting antibody combination for the prevention of COVID-19, retains neutralization activity against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529), according to new authentic ‘live’ virus neutralization data from both University College Oxford, UK and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, US.

The findings were posted online on bioRxiv, a preprint server, here and here.

EVUSHELD’s Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC50), a measure of neutralizing potency of an antibody, was 273 ng/ml and 147 ng/ml in the Oxford and Washington University studies, respectively.^1,2 The levels are within the range of neutralizing antibody titers found in individuals who have been previously infected with and recovered naturally from COVID-19.³

The data were generated from laboratory testing using actual live virus isolated from individuals who contracted the Omicron variant of COVID-19, considered a ‘gold standard’ for antibody neutralization studies.⁴ EVUSHELD is one of only two antibody therapies authorized for use that showed neutralizing activity against Omicron and against all other variants of concern in these two studies.^1,2

These findings are in line with pseudovirus neutralizing data from independent investigators at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on December 16, 2021, and add to the growing body of preclinical evidence demonstrating that EVUSHELD retains activity against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern to date.⁵

Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "Consistent data across three independent studies now provide confidence that EVUSHELD, a combination of two highly potent antibodies, retains neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant at a level that will continue to provide benefit to patients. EVUSHELD is the only antibody therapy authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in the US, and we’re excited that EVUSHELD is now available to help protect vulnerable populations, such as the immunocompromised, who are unable to mount an adequate response to vaccination and who remain at high-risk for COVID-19.”

By combining two particularly potent antibodies with different and complementary activities against the virus, EVUSHELD was designed to evade potential resistance with the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The Omicron variant was not in circulation during the EVUSHELD clinical trials. The Company is continuing to collect further data to better understand the implications of these data in clinical practice. Data from both studies will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

EVUSHELD received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the US in December 2021 for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 in people with moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive medications and who may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, as well as those individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended.

About 2% of the global population is considered at increased risk of an inadequate response to a COVID-19 vaccine.^6,7 Recent emerging evidence indicate that protecting vulnerable populations from getting COVID-19 could help prevent viral evolution that is an important factor in the emergence of variants.⁸

EVUSHELD is authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of EVUSHELD under Section 564(b)(1) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

Visit EVUSHELD.com to learn more.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

EVUSHELD (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) has not been approved, but has been granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA. There are limited clinical data available and serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with EVUSHELD use.

Contraindication:

EVUSHELD is contraindicated in individuals with previous severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to any component of EVUSHELD.

Warnings and Precautions:

Hypersensitivity Including Anaphylaxis

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been observed with IgG1 monoclonal antibodies like EVUSHELD. If signs and symptoms of a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis occur, immediately discontinue administration and initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive therapy. Clinically monitor individuals after injections and observe for at least 1 hour.

Clinically Significant Bleeding Disorders

As with any other intramuscular injection, EVUSHELD should be given with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder.

Cardiovascular Events

A higher proportion of subjects who received EVUSHELD versus placebo reported myocardial infarction and cardiac failure serious adverse events. All of the subjects with events had cardiac risk factors and/or a prior history of cardiovascular disease at baseline. A causal relationship between EVUSHELD and these events has not been established. Consider the risks and benefits prior to initiating EVUSHELD in individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events, and advise individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs or symptoms suggestive of a cardiovascular event.

Adverse Reactions:

The most common adverse events are headache, fatigue and cough.

Use in Specific Populations:

Pregnancy

There are insufficient data to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. EVUSHELD should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk for the mother and the fetus.

Lactation

There are no available data on the presence of tixagevimab or cilgavimab in human milk or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk.

Pediatric Use

EVUSHELD is not authorized for use in pediatric individuals under 12 years of age or weighing less than 40 kg. The safety and effectiveness of EVUSHELD have not been established in pediatric individuals.

AUTHORIZED USE

EVUSHELD (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) is authorized for use under an EUA for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg):

• Who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 and
  • Who have moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or
  • For whom vaccination with any available COVID-19 vaccine, according to the approved or authorized schedule, is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction (e.g., severe allergic reaction) to a COVID-19 vaccine(s) and/or COVID-19 vaccine component(s).

EVUSHELD has been authorized by FDA for the emergency use described above. EVUSHELD is not FDA-approved for any use, including use for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19.

EVUSHELD is authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of EVUSHELD under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

LIMITATIONS OF AUTHORIZED USE

• EVUSHELD is not authorized for use in individuals:
  • For treatment of COVID-19, or
  • For post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in individuals who have been exposed to someone infected with SARS-CoV-2
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis with EVUSHELD is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. Individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is recommended, including individuals with moderate to severe immune compromise who may derive benefit from COVID-19 vaccination, should receive COVID-19 vaccination
• In individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, EVUSHELD should be administered at least two weeks after vaccination

See Full Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for examples of medical conditions or treatments that may result in moderate to severe immune compromise and an inadequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, the justification for emergency use of drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic, information on available alternatives, and additional information on COVID-19.

The FDA Letter of Authorization is available for reference, as well as the Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents And Caregivers.

SARS-CoV-2 Viral Variant

There is a potential risk of treatment failure due to the development of viral variants that are resistant to tixagevimab and cilgavimab administered together. Prescribing healthcare providers should consider the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in their area, where data are available, when considering prophylactic treatment options.

Reporting Adverse Events

The prescribing healthcare provider and/or your designee must report all SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS and MEDICATION ERRORS potentially related to EVUSHELD within 7 calendar days from the healthcare provider’s awareness of the event (1) by submitting FDA Form 3500 online, (2) by downloading FDA Form 3500 and then submitting by mail or fax, or (3) contacting the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to request this form.

In addition, please fax a copy of all FDA MedWatch forms to AstraZeneca at 1-866-742-7984.

Report adverse events by visiting https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com, or calling AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933.

Notes

EVUSHELD

EVUSHELD, formerly known as AZD7442, is a combination of two LAABs - tixagevimab (AZD8895) and cilgavimab (AZD1061) - derived from B-cells donated by convalescent patients after SARS-CoV-2 virus. Discovered by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and licensed to AstraZeneca in June 2020, the human monoclonal antibodies bind to distinct sites on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein⁹ and were optimized by AstraZeneca with half-life extension and reduced Fc receptor and complement C1q binding. The half-life extension more than triples the durability of its action compared to conventional antibodies and could afford up to 12 months of protection from COVID-19 following a single administration;^10-12 data from the Phase III PROVENT trial show protection lasting at least six months.¹³ The reduced Fc receptor binding aims to minimize the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement of disease - a phenomenon in which virus-specific antibodies promote, rather than inhibit, infection and/or disease.¹⁴ EVUSHELD is delivered as an IM dose of 150mg tixagevimab and 150mg cilgavimab administered in two separate, consecutive injections.

In December 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for the use of EVUSHELD for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19. It is the only antibody authorized in the US to prevent COVID-19 symptoms before virus exposure. EVUSHELD is also authorized for emergency use for prevention of COVID-19 in several other countries.

In August 2021, AstraZeneca announced that EVUSHELD demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 in the PROVENT trial; efficacy was 83% compared to placebo in a six-month analysis announced on November 18, 2021. In October 2021, AstraZeneca announced positive high-level results from the EVUSHELD TACKLE Phase III outpatient treatment trial. EVUSHELD is also being studied as a potential treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients as part of the National Institute of Health’s ACTIV-3 trial and in an additional collaborator hospitalization treatment trial.

EVUSHELD is being developed with support from the US government, including federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Defense; Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, under Contract No. W911QY-21-9-0001.

Under the terms of the licensing agreement with Vanderbilt, AstraZeneca will pay single-digit royalties on future net sales.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on Twitter @AstraZenecaUS.

References

1. Dejnirattisai W, et al. Omicron-B.1.1.529 leads to widespread escape from neutralizing antibody responses. bioRxiv. 2021; doi: 10.1101/2021.12.03.471045.
2. VanBlarganLA, et al. An infectious SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron virus escapes neutralization by several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. bioRxiv. 2021; doi: 10.1101/2021.12.15.472828.
3. Neerukonda SN et al. Establishment of a well-characterized SARS-CoV-2 lentiviral pseudovirus neutralization assay using 293T cells with stable expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. PLoS ONE. 2021.16(3): e0248348. Available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0248348 [Last accessed: December 2021].
4. Shi AC, et al. SARS-CoV-2 serology testing: Progress and challenges. J Immunol Methods. 2021 Jul; 494: 113060. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8071778/ [Last accessed: December 2021]
5. ACTIV. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Open Data Portal. SARS-CoV-2 Variants & Therapeutics, All Variants Reported in vitro Therapeutic Activity. Available at: https://opendata.ncats.nih.gov/variant/activity. [Last accessed: December 2021].
6. Oliver, S MD. Data and clinical considerations for additional doses in immunocompromised people. ACIP Meeting July 22, 2021. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2021-07/07-COVID-Oliver-508.pdf. [Last accessed: December 2021].
7. AstraZeneca data on file.
8. Corey L, et al. SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Patients with Immunosuppression. N Engl J Med 2021; 385:562-566. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMsb2104756.
9. Dong J, et al. Genetic and structural basis for recognition of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by a two-antibody cocktail. bioRxiv. 2021; doi: 10.1101/2021.01.27.428529.
10. Robbie GJ, et al. A novel investigational Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody, motavizumab-YTE, has an extended half-life in healthy adults. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013; 57 (12): 6147-53.
11. Griffin MP, et al. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of MEDI8897, the respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F-targeting monoclonal antibody with an extended half-life, in healthy adults. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2017; 61(3): e01714-16.
12. Domachowske JB, et al. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MEDI8897, an extended half-life single-dose respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F-targeting monoclonal antibody administered as a single dose to healthy preterm infants. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2018; 37(9): 886-892.
13. AstraZeneca news release. New analyses of two AZD7442 COVID-19 trials in high-risk populations confirm robust efficacy and long-term prevention. Available at: https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/new-analyses-of-two-azd7442-covid-19-phase-iii-trials-in-high-risk-populations-confirm-robust-efficacy-and-long-term-prevention.html. [Last accessed: December 2021].
14. van Erp EA, et al. Fc-mediated antibody effector functions during respiratory syncytial virus infection and disease. Front Immunol. 2019; 10: 548.

 

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Media Inquiries

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Source: AstraZeneca

FAQ

What is the significance of EVUSHELD's efficacy against the Omicron variant for AZN stock?

EVUSHELD's efficacy against Omicron strengthens AstraZeneca's position in the COVID-19 treatment market, potentially boosting investor confidence.

When was EVUSHELD authorized in the US for pre-exposure prophylaxis?

EVUSHELD received Emergency Use Authorization in December 2021 for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19.

What are the neutralization potency levels of EVUSHELD against Omicron?

The neutralization potency levels of EVUSHELD against Omicron were measured at 273 ng/ml and 147 ng/ml in studies.

Is EVUSHELD FDA approved for COVID-19 treatment as of now?

No, EVUSHELD has not been FDA approved but is authorized under Emergency Use Authorization for specific prophylaxis.

How does EVUSHELD help vulnerable populations according to AstraZeneca?

EVUSHELD provides protection to immunocompromised individuals who may not respond adequately to COVID-19 vaccinations.