It’s been announced today that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a new COVID-19 treatment for use in the UK.
Following a rigorous review of its safety, quality, and effectiveness by the UK regulator and the government’s independent expert scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, the treatment was found to successfully reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, who are at an increased risk of developing severe disease.
The treatment – known as Xevudy (sotrovimab) – has been developed by GSK and Vir Biotechnology, and is a single monoclonal antibody that, according to a statement published by the UK government website, works by binding to the spike protein on the outside of the COVID-19 virus.
This in turn prevents the virus from attaching to and entering human cells, so that it cannot replicate in the body.
Xevudy is the second monoclonal antibody therapeutic to be approved, following Ronapreve.
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In a clinical trial, a single dose of the monoclonal antibody was found to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by 79% in high-risk adults with symptomatic COVID-19 infection, and based on the clinical trial data, the government says sotrovimab is most effective when taken during the early stages of infection.
And so, the MHRA has said it recommends its use as soon as possible and within five days of symptom onset.
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BREAKING NEWS:
A new treatment against COVID-19 has been approved by @MHRAgovuk.
We'll closely monitor how effective Xevudy is against the Omicron variant and will work on deployment plans with the NHS.https://t.co/ZilAKtwdaO
The approval for use of this treatment follows the confirmation that the first pill to treat symptomatic COVID-19 – molnupiravir – has also been approved for use in the UK back at the start of November.
Like molnupiravir, Xevudy has been authorised for use in people who have mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, and at least one risk factor for developing severe illness – such as obesity, older age (+60 years), diabetes mellitus, or heart disease – but unlike molnupiravir, sotrovimab is administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes, and it has also been approved for individuals aged 12 and above who weigh more than 40kg.
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The MHRA says it’s too early to know whether the Omicron variant has any impact on sotrovimab’s effectiveness, but the body will work with the company to establish this.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a new COVID-19 treatment for use in the UK / Credit: Pixabay
“I am pleased to say that we now have another safe and effective COVID-19 treatment, Xevudy (sotrovimab), for those at risk of developing severe illness,” announced Dr June Raine, Chief Executive of the MHRA.
“This is yet another therapeutic that has been shown to be effective at protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19, and signals another significant step forward in our fight against this devastating disease.
“With no compromises on quality, safety and effectiveness, the public can trust that the MHRA have conducted a robust and thorough assessment of all the available data.”
Featured Image – Flickr
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
2nd December 2021 
