MHRA authorise use of ‘Evusheld’ for COVID-19 prevention
A new medicine, Evusheld (tixagevimab/cilgavimab), has been authorised for COVID-19 prevention by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after meeting the UK regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
Developed by AstraZeneca, Evusheld is a combination of two long-acting antibodies that works by binding to the spike protein on the outside of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19. This in turn prevents the virus from attaching to and entering human cells.
For most people, the best way to prevent infection is vaccination. Evusheld has been approved for use in adults who are unlikely to mount an immune response from COVID-19 vaccination or for whom vaccination is not recommended.
Justin Fellows, Managing Director of Spirit Medical, commented: “It’s very good to see the practical developments in more “live with COVID tools” that are becoming available to help protect all sections of the population.”
“COVID will not go away in the short term, which is why our own management and tools to provide assistance are getting better and more practical,” added Justin.
