AstraZeneca secures federal backing for investigational monoclonal antibody COVID-19 therapy
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) have awarded a contract of $486 million to AstraZeneca’s late-stage development and large-scale manufacturing of the AZD7442 investigational treatment for COVID-19, according to a press releases.
AZD7442 is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies that may help treat or prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2. AstraZeneca will receive approximately $486 million under Operation Warp Speed for two Phase 3 clinical trials and related development activities, including a large-scale manufacturing demonstration project and supply of AZD7442 doses in the U.S.
One trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of AZD7442 to prevent infection for up to 12 months, in approximately 5,000 participants. The second trial will evaluate post-exposure prophylaxis and pre-emptive treatment in approximately 1,100 participants.
AstraZeneca said it is planning additional trials to evaluate AZD7442 in approximately 4,000 patients for the treatment of COVID-19.
