Celltrion's 'Rekkirona' Confirms Efficacy Against Beta Variant

A hospital official is examining Celltrion's COVID-19 antibody treatment 'Rekkironaju'.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Celltrion's COVID-19 antibody treatment 'Rekkirona (CT-P59)' has confirmed its efficacy against the Beta variant (South African variant) virus.

On the 18th, Celltrion announced that animal efficacy tests of Rekkirona against the Beta variant virus confirmed its effectiveness, including a reduction in viral titer and protection against weight loss.

Celltrion administered Rekkirona to 50 laboratory mice infected with COVID-19, and the treated group showed a significant decrease in viral titer compared to the control group, as well as reduced weight loss, demonstrating clinical improvement effects.

In particular, efficacy was proven even at doses lower than the clinical application dose used in previous tests on ferrets (Ferret, a member of the Mustelidae family), confirming Rekkirona's high neutralizing ability. In survival rate evaluations, the survival rate of the Rekkirona-treated group was 100%, whereas the control group had a survival rate of only 50%.

Following the Beta variant virus, Celltrion is currently conducting animal efficacy tests on the Delta variant (Indian variant) and Gamma variant (Brazilian variant). The results are expected to be announced as early as next month.

A Celltrion official stated, "Following the recent announcement of the global Phase 3 clinical trial results of Rekkirona, we have proven through animal efficacy tests that it is also effective against the Beta variant. We expect that positive results from animal efficacy tests targeting variant viruses found worldwide will help with product export negotiations and overseas approvals."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.