at Eli Lilly
FDA approved Eli Lilly’s new monoclonal antibody drug, bamlanivimab. It works like natural antibodies against covid—by attaching to the spike protein so the virus can’t attach to the human cell.
The drug was made using recombenent DNA methods from antiboides in the serum of one of the first people to recover from covid-19 in the US.
The drug is most effective when given to people with early, mild symptoms. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, early results from the BLAZE-1 trial show hospitalizations were reduced by about 2/3 over those who got placebo.
These are early results and further experience is likely to be different.
If It is Good Enough for Chris Christie...
Because there will be limited doses of the drug available, bamlanivimab will be given to high-risk patients with early disease. Christie is old and overweight—like yours truly.
What's in a Name?
Plenty, in this case. Stay tuned tomorrow for more on this exciting story.
