Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


US Allows Emergency Use of COVID-19 Antibody Drug

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - U.S. health officials have allowed emergency use of the
   first antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an
   experimental approach against the virus that has killed more than
   238,000 Americans.

   The Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared the experimental
   drug from Eli Lilly for people 12 and older with mild or moderate
   COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization. It's a one-time treatment given
   through an IV.

   The therapy is still undergoing additional testing to establish its
   safety and effectiveness. It is similar to a treatment President Donald
   Trump received after contracting the virus last month.

   Lilly's studies of the antibody drug are continuing. Early results
   suggest it may help clear the coronavirus sooner and possibly cut
   hospitalizations in people with mild to moderate COVID-19. A study of
   it in hospitalized patients was stopped when independent monitors saw
   the drug did not seem to be helping in that situation.

   The government previously reached an agreement to buy and supply much
   of the early production of Lilly's drug.

.