Posted by Michael Wonder on 26 Sep 2021
On new recommendation for treatment of COVID-19 patients: WHO calls for equitable access to casirivimab and imdevimab for COVID-19
24 September 2021 - The World Health Organization welcomes the addition of another therapeutic to the world’s arsenal against COVID-19, but urges producing companies and governments to address the high price and limited production of the Regeneron antibody combination and ensure safe and appropriate handling of the medicine.
Given the high cost and low availability of the combination therapy, UNITAID is negotiating with Roche, which is currently manufacturing the drug for lower prices and equitable distribution across all regions, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organization is also in discussions with the company for a donation and distribution of the drug through UNICEF, following an allocation criteria set by the World Health Organization.
