Prevention and therapy of SARS-CoV-2 and the B.1.351 variant in mice

Cell Rep. 2021 Jul 27;36(4):109450. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109450. Epub 2021 Jul 10.

Abstract

Improving clinical care for individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants is a global health priority. Small-molecule antivirals like remdesivir (RDV) and biologics such as human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is not known whether combination RDV/mAb will improve outcomes over single-agent therapies or whether antibody therapies will remain efficacious against variants. Here, we show that a combination of two mAbs in clinical trials, C144 and C135, have potent antiviral effects against even when initiated 48 h after infection and have therapeutic efficacy in vivo against the B.1.351 variant of concern (VOC). Combining RDV and antibodies provided a modest improvement in outcomes compared with single agents. These data support the continued use of RDV to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections and the continued clinical development of the C144 and C135 antibody combination to treat patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Keywords: B.1.351; COVID-19; RDV; SARS-CoV-2; monoclonal antibodies; remdesivir; therapy; variants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antiviral Agents