Anticuerpos monoclonales frente a la COVID-19.

One of the treatment strategies for COVID-19 consists in using drugs targeted against the S protein, or Spike protein, a structure which is fundamental for the transmission and replication of the virus. For this review, we searched for relevant clinical trials in relation to specific monoclonal antibodies targeted at this protein, assessing their benefit in cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2. To achieve this, a search was carried out using various databases, such as PubMed, and databases of the regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA, over a time period from January 2020 to February 2021. The search resulted in references for three high-quality randomised clinical trials in relation to four monoclonal antibodies administered intravenously, namely: bamlanivimab co-administered with etesevimab; and casirivimab co-administered with imdevimab. The preliminary results from these trials showed a decrease in viral load compared to placebo in the first few days of treatment in non-hospitalised patients who had risk factors for progression to serious disease, namely: advanced age; obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease; and treatment with immunosuppressants. There were no significant adverse effects. These drugs currently have FDA approval through an emergency authorisation procedure, whilst the EMA has carried out an emergency review with the decision to position them in a similar way to the American agency, pending authorisation and marketing approval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]