The virus has mutated since the first corona patients were treated in Europe almost two years ago. The new variant Omikron spread particularly quickly. It is so changed that those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered are infected more often than with Delta. In addition, certain medications, which have been developed at great expense, fail at Omikron. But some newer preparations give hope.
antibody preparations: According to a study published in the specialist magazine “Cell”, several preparations seem to lose their effectiveness at Omikron. This involves most of the approved drugs based on antibodies. The experts initially hoped for the drugs casirivimab and imdevimab, etesevimab and bamlanivimab. If given early, they should prevent severe courses. The effect is now reduced on Omicron. Ronapreve (casirivimab and imdevimab) is also not effective. According to studies, however, the new drug sotrovimab inhibits omicron. It should be available for inpatient therapy by the end of January and is recommended by the World Health Organization.
Antivirals: Hopes also rest on new antiviral drugs such as Paxlovid and Molnupiravir – the first pills against Corona, which should be available on prescription in pharmacies in a few weeks. According to Christoph Spinner from the Klinikum Rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich, molnupiravir is “taken as a capsule twice a day for five days and is also effective against the omicron variant”. Paxlovid would soon be added as another oral therapy option. A five-day treatment costs around $700. The tablets must also be taken early to slow down the virus. In a later phase, however, dexamethasone inhibits inflammation in severe cases and is considered the standard treatment.
Remdesivir: According to Spinner, this drug – originally developed against the Ebola virus – also works against omicrons: In a new study, the drug shows around 80 percent protection against severe courses.
Preventive drug: Above all, as a preventive measure, the antibody drug Evusheld should be used, which according to the manufacturer AstraZeneca is also effective against omicron.
Source: Nachrichten
