The world’s first participant in a new COVID-19 trial taking place at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), is part of research that may provide important protection for people with a weakened immune system.
Vaccines work by inducing a person’s immune system to produce antibodies that inhibit or ‘neutralise’ the virus. In vulnerable patients (with compromised immunity), a COVID-19 vaccination may not generate enough immune response, leaving them still vulnerable to severe infection and hospitalisation.
Monoclonal antibodies (man-made protein molecules that act like natural antibodies to fight infections), can provide protection against infection in these vulnerable patients by supplementing their natural immune response.
The Phase I/III SUPERNOVA* trial, sponsored by AstraZeneca, is investigating a drug (AZD5156) that combines two long-acting monoclonal antibodies, that specifically target the COVID-19 virus.
Studies in the lab show that the antibody combination works against all currently known Coronavirus variants, including those that other COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies have reduced ability to neutralise.
SUPERNOVA will evaluate the safety and neutralising activity for the prevention of COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years of age or older with conditions such as cancer, that cause immune impairment.
Mehrdad, Research Archivist and Information Assistant, Wythenshawe Hospital, part of MFT, is the first person to take part in the SUPERNOVA study.
