GSK, Vir Ink Deal with Government of Singapore to Supply COVID-19 Drug Sotrovimab

On June 30th, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Singapore and Vir Biotechnology announced a deal with the Government of Singapore to supply COVID-19 drug sotrovimab.

Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody medication for patients with mild to severe COVID-19 symptoms. It is currently undergoing regulatory review by Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for interim authorization.

Efficacy of Sotrovimab

Developed by GSK and Vir Biotechnology, sotrovimab can be used to treat COVID-19 patients who do not require oxygen supplementation and who are at risk of progressing severe symptoms.

Preclinical data shows sotrovimab can target a conserved site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is less likely to mutate over time. Besides, sotrovimab shows resistance against multiple variant viruses, including the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants.

The Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated that receiving sotrovimab reduced 85% of hospitalization or death of COVID-19 patients versus the control group. Due to its strong evidence of efficacy, the trial was stopped early in March.

On May 26th, sotrovimab received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg). It has also been approved for use in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. 

“As variants continue to arise, vaccines together with the availability of safe and effective monoclonal antibody treatments have the potential to increase the chance of ending the pandemic,” Mike Crichton, SVP Specialty and Primary Care Therapy Area of GSK said, “We’re committed to partnering with the government of Singapore to make this important treatment option available to its citizens and to be part of its long-term solution to manage COVID-19.”

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Author

Kathy Huang

We are, and will remain, perpetual newbies. - Kevin Kelly