The Ministry of Health of Prevention (MoHAP), collaborating with health bodies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, announced on Wednesday the results of two-week study for Sotrovimab. It is an anti-viral drug that was approved this month for use in the UAE. The study has found it to have supported the recovery of over 97 per cent of Covid-19 patients within a week of administration. 

The drug is used to treat severe Covid-19 cases among adults, pregnant women and children aged 12 and above. The drug is produced by global biopharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and it was approved by health ministry after conducting local evaluation. The drug has also been approved US FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Between June 16 to June 29, Sotrovimab was administered to 658 Covid-19 patients. 46 per cent of them are citizens and 54 per cent residents. 59 per cent of these patients are aged 50 or above. 

More than 97.3 per cent of people who received the drug showed improvement within five to seven days. With gradually subsiding symptoms they have neared complete recovery.

Patients eligible for Sotrovimab are those who belong to vulnerable groups due to other underlying conditions associated with severe Covid-19 like obesity, cancer, kidney disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and allergies. 

Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment that is provided through intravenous therapy. This is in line with protocols developed by the National Scientific Committee. 

The UAE was one of the first countries to receive Sotrovimab in mid-June, after an agreement between the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Rafed, a leading group purchasing organisation, GSK and Etihad Cargo.