- According to new research in Australia, some people have developed sotrovimab-resistant mutations following infusions with the GlaxoSmithKline Plc (NYSE:GSK) and Vir Biotechnology Inc (NASDAQ:VIR) monoclonal antibody with COVID-19 infection.
- Data shows that the mutations have been associated with a reduction by a factor of 100 to 297 in neutralization by sotrovimab.
- "These data show the persistence of viable SARS-CoV-2 in patients after sotrovimab infusions and the rapid development of spike gene mutations associated with high-level sotrovimab resistance in vitro," the researchers wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine.
- These findings underscore the importance of stewardship of monoclonal antibodies, particularly because sotrovimab is one of the few monoclonal antibodies with retained activity against the omicron variant.
- Read Next: AstraZeneca, GSK's COVID-19 Therapies Lose Efficacy Against Omicron's Subvariants.
- Of the eight patients whose PCR tests "were persistently positive for SARS-CoV-2 and whom, respiratory tract specimens obtained before and after the use of sotrovimab were available,"
- 4 of 8 acquired previously defined mutations within 6 to 13 days after they received sotrovimab, the NEJM correspondence says.
- Price Action: VIR shares are up 0.13% at $22.46, GSK shares are up 0.44% at $41.01 during the market session on the last check Friday.
