Nagpur: Monoclonal antibody combination therapy of Casirivimab and Imdevimab for treating Covid-19 in the early stages has now reached the city.
The drug, also known as ‘cocktail drug’, had gained global attention after it was administered to former US president Donald Trump.
Not deterred by the cost, Rs1.20 lakh per pack, many doctors and hospitals are trying to stock the drug, which has two-year shelf life, so as to tackle the anticipated waves as many feel its demand too may shoot up as it happened in case of Remdesivir, Amphotericin B or Tocilizumab.
The drug, originally launched by pharmaceutical giants Roche and Regeneron as REGN-COV2, is also expected to be used for treating paediatric patients above 12 years of age, the group feared to be mostly affected during the third wave.
Dr Rajendra Agarwal of Asha Hospital, who was one of the first buyers, said the drug seems to be effective on co-morbid patients.
“It helps stop replication of the virus if administered at the earliest,” he said.
Dr Jaspal Singh Arneja, who also has procured the drug, said the drug should administered as early as possible.
“Ideally, it should be the first drug to be given.
It has a proven efficacy,” he said.
Infectious disease specialist Dr Nitin Shinde said clinical trials of the drug, especially on cancer patients, have been encouraging.
“The trial showed 74% risk reduction.
If given within five to six days of the onset of the symptoms, then it can be beneficial,” he said.
“The drug is ideal for cancer, HIV and such immunocompromised patients,” said Dr Shinde.
Well-known pharmacist and stockist Jay Tekchandani said he has already supplied the drug to a few doctors and hospitals in the last two days.
“We have started getting inquiries and demand seems to be growing,” he said.
Renowned paediatrician Dr Sandip Mogre also said studies support the theory that monoclonal antibody therapies can be also useful for paediatric patients between 12 and 17 age and who weigh at least 40 kg.
Dr Nilesh Agrawal, deputy director (administration), Alexis Multispecialty Hospital said, “We have procured two units after having a discussion with our medical experts.
Our plan is to carefully use it on clinically indicated patients.” Dr Kamal Bhutada, director of ICU, Care Hospital, said the key to success of the cocktail drug therapy is the selection of right patients with risk factors for administering it.
“Given early to the patients with high risks may reduce their chances of progression to severity,” he said.