Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s antibody cocktail cuts the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 82% for up to eight months, according to a company-sponsored study that could pave the way for its broader use.
The monoclonal antibody cocktail, known as REGEN-COV, is available under an emergency use authorization in the U.S. to treat outpatients at risk of developing severe symptoms. It’s also allowed as a preventive therapy for certain people who aren’t fully vaccinated or who are immunocompromised, and have known or likely exposure to the virus.
The company has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expand the authorization so the drug can be used to prevent infections, even when it’s given before a person has been exposed. The shares rose 0.3% as of 9:36 a.m. Monday in New York.