Dual Eli-Lilly mAb bamlanivimab and etesevimab reduces hospitalisation after single infusion: results from BLAZE-1 study

1 April 2021. Related: Conference reports, COVID-19: investigational drugs, COVID-19, CROI 28 (virtual) 2021.

Simon Collins, HIV i-Base

Results from the phase 3 stage of the BLAZE-1 study in 1053 participants with confirmed mild/moderate COVID-19 reported a 70% reduction in hospitalisation or death by day 29  (n=11 vs 36) in those randomised to the active monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) vs placebo (p=0.0004). [1]

The two neutralising mAbs in development by Eli-Lilly (2800mg bamlanivimab+2800mg etesevimab) were given together as a single infusion within three days of diagnosis.

Deaths were significantly reduced (n=0 vs 10) and symptoms resolved faster in the active arm. Median drop in viral load at day 7: difference –1.20 log (95%CI: –1.46 to –0.94), p<0.00000001).

Similar rates of adverse events were reported for the combined treatment vs placebo groups (13.3 % vs 11.6%).

Results from the phase 2 dose-finding stage of this study were reported in the NEJM in October. [2]

References

1. Dougan M et al. Bamlanivimab+etesevimab for treatment of COVID-19 in high-risk ambulatory patients. CROI 2021, virtual. Late breaking oral abstract 122.
   https://www.croiconference.org/abstract/bamlanivimabetesevimab-for-treatment-of-covid-19-in-high-risk-ambulatory-patients/(abstract and webcast)
2. Two different dual antibody treatments each reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load by >0.5 log. HTB (22 January 2021).
   https://i-base.info/htb/39718

This report was first published on 19 March 2021.