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
A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport
Danny Jones
In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.
Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.
Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe WiechaVarious resources and reading materials are available
As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including
Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.
The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.
Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.
Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”
“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”
Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.
Chinatown restaurant issues CCTV appeal after customer literally RUNS away without paying
Daisy Jackson
Noodle Alley, a cosy restaurant in Chinatown, has shared CCTV footage of a customer literally running away with an unpaid bill.
The noodle bar is famed for its spicy dishes, hailing from co-owner Wendy Ren’s native Sichuan province.
It’s become a firm favourite in Manchester’s Chinatown since launching in 2023 – but the team have been left stung by a customer dine-and-dash this week.
And it’s the most literal case of a dine-and-dash we’ve ever seen, with CCTV footage shared by Noodle Alley showing the moment the customer sprints out the door, with impressive speed for a man in sliders.
The video also shows the staff chasing the runaway customer, to no avail.
In a heartfelt statement shared online, Noodle Alley said that ‘every meal matters’ when small businesses like theirs are struggling with rising costs.
They also said that the CCTV has been sent to the police in the hopes of catching the man.
In their full statement, Noodle Alley wrote: “Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying.
“This isn’t just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs, and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder.
“Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters.
“Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds.
“We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities.
“To everyone who chooses to support small independent businesses like ours, thank you. Your kindness and support help keep businesses like ours going.”
The Manc -
2nd December 2021 
