Casirivimab and Imdevimab (Antibody Cocktail Drug) - Uses, Side effects and Cost

Antibody Cocktail Drug - Casirivimab and Imdevimab is specified for restricted use in emergency conditions to treat COVID-19 patients having mild to moderate symptoms and who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Recently the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) had provided a EUA (emergency use authorization) for antibody cocktail drug in India, previously it also received emergency use authorization in the US and other European countries.

Roche India and Cipla Limited announced on 24 March 2021 that Antibody Cocktail (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) will be available in India for patients with mild and moderate symptoms of COVID-19. Cipla limited will be distributing the drug through its strong distribution channel across the country, also mentioned drug will be available through leading hospitals those who are providing treatment to COVID patients. Emergency use authorization of Casirivimab and Imdevimab in India can help in reducing hospitalization of COVID-19 patients those who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms.

What is Casirivimab and Imdevimab (Antibody Cocktail Drug) and its mechanism of action?

Casirivimab and Imdevimab are human immunoglobulin G-1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibodies that are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. These are specifically directed against the spike protein S1 and S2 of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells.

Monoclonal antibodies therapies may help high risk COVID-19 patients to avoid hospitalization. Casirivimab and Imdevimab cocktail remains efficacious against the widest spread variants and reduces the risk of losing its neutralization potency against new emerging variants.

Casirivimab and Imdevimab is mandatory and must be done by the prescribing healthcare provider should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Casirivimab and Imdevimab must be administered together after dilution by intravenous (IV) infusion. The intravenous (IV) administration takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Casirivimab and Imdevimab uses

Antibody Cocktail Drug (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) is to be administered together to treat COVID-19 patients having mild to moderate symptoms in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 40 kg who are tested SARS-CoV-2 positive, and who are at high risk of developing severity of COVID-19 and / or hospitalization simultaneously don’t require oxygen. Phase 3 trial of Casirivimab and Imdevimab shown better results on high risk COVID-19 patients, reduced the risk of hospitalization and mortality by 70%, and shortened the coronavirus symptoms by 4 days.

The safety and effectiveness of this monoclonal antibody therapy for use in the treatment of COVID-19 continues to be evaluated. The authorized dosage is 1,200 mg as combined dose where 600 mg of casirivimab and 600 mg of imdevimab administered together by intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous route as soon as possible after positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2 and within 10 days of symptoms onset.

Casirivimab and Imdevimab are not authorized for use in patients those who comes these categories:

• Require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19
• Hospitalized due to COVID-19
• Require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19 in those on chronic oxygen therapy due to underlying non-COVID-19 related comorbidity

Patients treated with Casirivimab and Imdevimab should continue to self-isolate and use precautions (wear mask, self-isolation, social distance, frequent handwashing and maintain hygiene) and preventions to stop further spread.

Who all are at high risk in COVID-19 and should get Casirivimab and imdevimab monoclonal antibodies treatment?

COVID-19 patients are at high risk if having at least one of the following conditions-

• Older age group >=60 years
• Age group >=55 years and having hypertension or cardiovascular disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / other chronic respiratory disease.
• Age between 12 and 17 years and having BMI ≥85th percentile or congenital or acquired heart disease or sickle cell disease or neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy or gastrostomy or tracheostomy or asthma, reactive airway or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control.
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Obese and having body mass index (BMI) ≥35
• Chronic kidney disease
• Immunosuppressive disease such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, bone marrow or organ transplantation, thalassemia, HIV or immune deficiencies
• Currently on immunosuppressive treatment
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Chronic liver disease
  

What is the price / cost of Casirivimab and Imdevimab in India?

The price for each patient dose is INR 59,750 inclusive of all taxes. Each dose consists 600 mg of Casirivimab and 600 mg of Imdevimab; 1200 mg as a combined dose.

Each pack of Antibody Cocktail (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) contains one vial of Casirivimab (1200 mg) and one vial of Imdevimab (1200 mg), can treat two patients as a combined dose of 1200 mg per patient. The maximum retail price for each pack is INR 1,19,500 inclusive of all taxes.

Where to get antibody cocktail injection in Hyderabad (Casirivimab and Imdevimab)?

We Pace Hospitals have started administering antibody cocktail injection for COVID patients at our Hitech City, Branch located near Hitech City Metro Station, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Locate Us

What are the side effects of Antibody cocktail drug (Casirivimab and Imdevimab)?

There are limited clinical data available for casirivimab and imdevimab. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with casirivimab and imdevimab use.

Home Quarantine Treatment for suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 patient