The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified a new Covid-19 antibody drug for people with high-risk health problems or allergies who can’t get protection from vaccination. The antibody-drug is authorised for long-term protection against the Covid-19 virus rather than short-term treatment.

People who can benefit from the antibody drug are cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and patients taking immune-suppressing drugs for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Health experts say that approximately 2 to 3 per cent of the population of the US is into that group.

• Indian Hume Pipe Soars 9% on Rs 738 Cr Rajasthan Order
• Max Estates Jumps 6% as Q1 Pre-Sales Surges 5x
• Raymond Realty Soars 12% on Q1 Pre-Sales Jump
• Zydus Lifesciences Jumps 4% on Apollo Cancer Test Tie-Up
• Arvind Board Approves Rs 600 Cr Fundraise via QIP

The FDA and other health officials have highlighted that antibody drugs are not a replacement for vaccines, the most effective, long-lasting and protection again coronavirus. Antibody drugs are hard to manufacture and cost over $1,000 per dose compared with regular vaccines, usually under $30 per dose.