AstraZeneca’s antibody cocktail can both prevent AND treat Covid, trial data shows

New treatments for COVID-19 are being made available as an alternative for those who don’t want to be vaccinated.

AstraZeneca has developed an antibody cocktail, that works as a preventative shot as well as a treatment that’s been shown to prevent severe disease or death by 50% if used within a week of first showing symptoms.

The drug combines two antibodies with an AstraZeneca executive saying “if and when this is approved it will be used in the treatment setting” as well as in a preventive setting.

And another company has created the first ever oral medication to treat COVID-19.

Merck and Co applied for U.S. emergency use authorisation on Monday, for the drug to be used for treating mild to moderate patients of COVID-19.

The trial showed hospitalisation and death decrease by 50% in patients who had at least one risk factor for the disease.

FDA authorisation would allow patients to self-medicate at home, changing clinical management of the virus.