Following a thorough review of evidence carried out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and recommendation by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the UK government’s independent expert scientific advisory body, the MHRA has approved Ronapreve as the first monoclonal antibody combination product indicated for use in the prevention and treatment of acute Covid-19 infection for the UK.
Developed by Regeneron/Roche, the drug is administered either by injection or infusion and acts at the lining of the respiratory system where it binds tightly to the coronavirus and prevents it from gaining access to the cells of the respiratory system. Clinical trial data assessed by MHRA scientists and clinicians has shown that Ronapreve may be used to prevent infection, promote resolution of symptoms of acute Covid-19 infection and can reduce the likelihood of being admitted to hospital due to Covid-19.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This treatment will be a significant addition to our armoury to tackle Covid-19 – in addition to our world-renowned vaccination programme and life-saving therapeutics dexamethasone and tocilizumab. We are now working at pace with the NHS and expert clinicians to ensure this treatment can be rolled out to NHS patients as soon as possible.”
Interim Chief Quality & Access Officer, Dr Samantha Atkinson said: “Ronapreve is the first of its kind for the treatment of Covid-19, and after a meticulous assessment of the data by our expert scientists and clinicians, we are satisfied that this treatment is safe and effective.”
