Covid: GSK says tests show antibody drug works against Omicron variant

Sotrovimab, developed with Vir, tested in lab, on hamsters; key mutations of Omicron did not elude drug activity in study

Laboratory analysis of the antibody-based Covid-19 therapy GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is developing with US partner Vir has indicated the drug is effective against the new Omicron variant, the British drugmaker said on Thursday.

A GSK statement said that lab tests and a study on hamsters have demonstrated the sotrovimab antibody cocktail to work against viruses that were bio-engineered to carry a number of hallmark mutations of the Omicron variant. The tests are continuing to confirm the results against all of the Omicron mutations, with an update expected by the end of the year, it added.

The antibody is designed to latch on to the spike protein on the surface of the coronavirus but Omicron has been found to have an unusually high amount of mutations on that protein.

Pfizer works on updated jab

Pfizer, on the other hand, is working on an updated jab in response to the Omicron variant that could be ready in 100 days, according to Chief Executive Dr Albert Bourla, who said that people may need to have annual Covid-19 vaccinations.