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(Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Vir Biotechnology Inc on Friday said the phase three Comet-Ice trial for its Covid-19 treatment, sotrovimab, has met its primary endpoint.
The headline data from the trial, GSK said, demonstrated the "intramuscular administration of sotrovimab was non-inferior to intravenous administration for the early treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid-19 in high-risk, non-hospitalised adults and adolescents."
The Comet trial was looking into IM administration compared to IV administration.
The final Comet-Ice trial results in the full study population of 1,057 participants, demonstrated a 79% reduction in hospitalisation and death at day 29 versus a placebo.
Sotrovimab is still awaiting to clear regulatory hurdles around the globe.
GSK Chief Scientific Officer Hal Barron said: "I am pleased that today's results demonstrated similar efficacy for sotrovimab when injected directly into the muscle compared to administered intravenously, potentially offering a more convenient option for patients. We look forward to working with regulatory authorities to help make this new option available to appropriate patients with Covid-19."
Shares in GSK were 0.7% higher in London on Friday afternoon at 1,601.20 pence each. Vir was 3.9% higher in pre-market trading in New York at USD34.36.
By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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