| Common Brands | REGEN-COV |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Monoclonal antibody |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
No Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Not FDA-approved yet |
Casirivimab is a monoclonal antibody drug that is administered in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Usually, it is used together with another monoclonal antibody called imdevimab in the Casirivimab/Imdevimab combination (trade name: REGEN-COV). Regeneron Pharmaceuticals developed the latter, which was authorized to be used under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. n.
This blocks the virus, thus preventing it from replicating, and therefore it acts as an antiviral. Casirivimab will be helpful in patients with risk factors for developing a serious disease, and it may help reduce disease severity, hospitalizations, and mechanical ventilation.
Casirivimab, when administered as the drug in combination with the treatment Casirivimab/Imdevimab, is administered using a method of intravenous IV. The infusion usually will occur in a healthcare system: hospital or clinic setup for approximately 30 to 60 minutes duration on average, depending upon their health status and general medicine protocol.
Before administration, a patient will be monitored for possible allergic or infusion-related reactions. After an infusion, patients are commonly observed for at least an hour to watch for any immediate reactions that may include fever, chills, or difficulty breathing.
Casirivimab/Imdevimab should be started early in the course of the disease, especially in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at a higher risk of progression to severe disease, hospitalization, or death.
Casirivimab is a drug that binds to the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The spike protein is what the virus uses to attach to human cells. By binding to this protein, Casirivimab prevents the virus from attaching to and entering host cells, thereby neutralizing the virus and blocking further infection.
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of Viral Entry: SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells through attachment of its spike protein to the ACE2 receptor on the surface of human cells. Casirivimab binds specifically to the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein, preventing it from interacting with the ACE2 receptor, which means that the virus would not enter the cells.
Neutralization: Once Casirivimab binds to the spike protein, it neutralizes the virus by blocking the virus’s ability to infect host cells. This reduces the viral load in the body, limiting the severity and progression of the disease.
Improved Immune Response: By neutralizing the virus, Casirivimab enables the body’s immune system to respond better against the infection. Along with imdevimab, Casirivimab is a complementary action that supports the neutralization of the virus.
Although Casirivimab is generally well-tolerated, all drugs can induce side effects. Common adverse effects include:
Infusion-related Reactions: Feeling feverish or chills and experiencing hypotension, nausea, or dyspnea can occur during the infusion or shortly after it is completed. Generally, infusion-related reactions are mild and resolve quickly following completion of the infusion or adjustment of the dose.
Headaches: Some may experience headaches during treatment.
Rash or Skin Reactions: Rash or itching can occur as a skin reaction.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat are very rare. For anaphylaxis, call your doctor or emergency services immediately and seek medical attention right away if symptoms occur.
Allergic Reactions: Casirivimab can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical intervention. Patients receiving Casirivimab should be monitored closely for signs of allergic reactions during and after the infusion.
Effectiveness Against Variants: Though Casirivimab is effective against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, effectiveness against newer variants is questionable. Efficacy of this drug might be reduced by some variants, and further monitoring of the virus’ mutations will be required to determine its continued effectiveness.
Use in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: The safety of Casirivimab in pregnant and breastfeeding women has not been fully established. It should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the potential benefits justify the risks.
Other COVID-19 Drugs: Casirivimab/Imdevimab should not be used with other monoclonal antibody drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2, as this might result in decreased efficacy or increased risk of adverse effect.
Immune Modulators: In case of immunosuppressive therapies like corticosteroids, these drugs are taken along with Casirivimab/Imdevimab, but a patient must be monitored properly as this can lead to severe drug interactions.
In this case, a patient should report all their medication including over-the counter and any supplements or any treatments being taken to prevent adverse reactions.
Casirivimab is usually used in combination with imdevimab, at the standard dose of 600 mg of each antibody, which is administered as an intravenous infusion. The prescribed dose is given once; however, additional doses may be required if the patient is at risk for reinfection or severe disease progression.
Casirivimab is available only under emergency use authorization (EUA) for the treatment of COVID-19. It must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, and it is typically reserved for patients who are at high risk of developing severe disease, as well as those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are not yet hospitalized.
Casirivimab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat and prevent COVID-19 by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It binds to the spike protein of the coronavirus, blocking the virus from entering human cells.
It is authorized for mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients and for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Either by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection, depending on the indication.
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 who are at high risk for severe disease, or people exposed to the virus in specific situations.
Side effects may include infusion-related reactions, fever, chills, nausea, and rash.
It is generally not recommended for hospitalized patients requiring high-flow oxygen or ventilation.
It can reduce viral load and symptoms within days after administration.
Efficacy may vary; some variants show reduced susceptibility, so effectiveness depends on the circulating variant.
It can be used alongside some treatments, but healthcare providers will determine the best combination.
Patients should inform providers about allergies and pre-existing conditions.
Protection duration can vary; it is mainly for immediate post-exposure prevention and early treatment.
Use in children under emergency authorization varies; consult a physician for pediatric use.
No, it is not a vaccine but a treatment or prevention option after exposure or infection.
Contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and management.
No major drug interactions are known, but consulting a healthcare provider is advised.
Coverage depends on region and insurance policies; many programs provide access during the pandemic.
It was developed using biotechnology to create antibodies that target the coronavirus spike protein.
It is available under emergency use authorization or approval in many countries worldwide.
Patients should speak with healthcare professionals or visit official health agency websites for detailed info.
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