BEIJING (AFP) - China's drug authority has granted emergency approval for the country's first specialised treatment against Covid-19, found in clinical trials to significantly reduce hospitalisations and deaths among high-risk patients.
The move comes as regulators around the world give the green light to treatments - particularly for high-risk groups - amid worries over the new Omicron variant.
China is also grappling with a growing number of studies that show its vaccines have lower efficacy rates than many of those made overseas.
In an official notice published on Wednesday (Dec 8), China's National Medical Products Administration said it has granted "emergency approval" for a monoclonal antibody treatment.
A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that attaches to the spike protein of the coronavirus, reducing its ability to enter the body's cells.
The treatment involves a combination of two drugs, administered through injections, and can be used to treat certain cases that are at risk of progressing in severity, the drug authority said.
It was co-developed by Tsinghua University, the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen and Brii Biosciences.
Trial data showed that the combination therapy could reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death in high-risk patients by around 80 per cent, Tsinghua University said in a statement on social media late on Wednesday.
A state media report last month added that the treatment has also been used on patients infected in local flare-ups.
China is the latest to approve similar Covid-19 treatments, with British regulators last week also authorising an antibody treatment.
EU health authorities have approved pills for emergency use too - involving antiviral medications that slow down illness by reducing the virus's capacity to reproduce within the body.
While pills are easier to use, the most effective treatment for Covid-19 currently involves monoclonal antibodies, which are administered via a drip.
Related Story
Chinese antibody drugs show promise in Covid-19 trials, say researchers
Related Story
China eyes anti-Covid-19 oral drug to boost image, reopen borders
China has several conditionally approved vaccines as well, but their published efficacy rates lag behind rival jabs developed in other countries.
A study by Hong Kong's Chinese University published last month found people inoculated with the BioNTech vaccine had significantly higher antibody levels than China's Sinovac, adding to two other studies in Hong Kong and the mainland that produced similar data.
The study did find the T-cell response - white blood cells that remember how to fight disease - remained strong in Sinovac patients.
Hong Kong has begun calling for residents who were vaccinated with Sinovac to take a third booster to up their protection levels.
Related Story
China's home-grown virus pill could offer a pivot from Covid-19-zero
Related Story
Will Covid-19 drugs be less effective against the Omicron variant?
Related Stories:
Related Story
HK researchers develop steel that kills 99% of Covid-19 virus within hours
Related Story
Will I lose fully vaccinated status if I don't get third Sinovac, Sinopharm dose?
Related Story
Trump's blood oxygen level in Covid-19 bout was dangerously low, former aide says in book
Related Story
Omicron's spread across hotel hall in Hong Kong highlights transmission worry
Related Story
Top Covid-19 expert hints at how China may return to 'normality'
Related Story
South Korea's Covid-19 rules put some vaccinated foreigners in limbo
Related Story
Inside South Africa's effort to halt dangerous Covid-19 mutations
Related Story
Lessons from travelling in a Covid-19-stricken world
Related Story
The week that Covid-19 sucker punched the world
Related Story
Pfizer or Moderna booster - which is more effective? Here's what an MOH study shows
Join ST's Telegram channel here and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Topics:
More Whatsapp Linkedin FB Messenger Telegram Reddit WeChat Pinterest Print Copy permalink https://str.sg/3xyt