Antibody combos of bamlanivimab, etesevimab reduce risk of severe COVID-19 effects by 70 percent

In new data released by Eli Lilly and Company, a cocktail of neutralizing antibodies bamlanivimab and etesevimab reduced COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths by 70 percent among more than 1,000 high-risk patients.

According to the report, which was based on the BLAZE-1 phase three trial, of 1,035 patients, 10 died. All deaths occurred among those taking a placebo, whereas no deaths occurred among those taking the cocktail. Doses of the antibodies were given at 2800 mg each and, among other things, provided statistically significant improvements to all key secondary endpoints, showing reduction of viral load and accelerated symptom relief.

“These exciting results, which replicate positive Phase 2 data in a much larger set of patients, add valuable clinical evidence about the role neutralizing antibodies can play in fighting this pandemic,” Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, chief scientific officer and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, said. “While the preliminary nature of Phase 2 results from COVID-19 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies may have limited acceptance of treatment, these Phase 3 data further strengthen the available evidence.”

Beyond the death reduction, the combination doses also resulted in just 11 risk events, against 36 seen in those taking placebos — a 70 percent risk reduction. Skovronsky said this was consistent with the reduction risk in hospitalization from bamlanivimab alone, as observed in a phase two trial.

Currently, bamlanivimab is authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 cases. To date, Lilly has collected safety and efficacy data from more than 4,000 participants in its antibody trials. Exploration into the use of lower doses is expected to continue.