FDA approves drug that helps prevent COVID-19 in high-risk patients

Studies have shown that Pemgarda provides an antibody boost for people who do not have an adequate immune response after a vaccination.

Gillian Neff and Rose Shannon

Mar 31, 2024, 1:50 PM

Updated 256 days ago

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The Food and Drug Administration has granted an emergency-use authorization to a new medication that has shown to help prevent COVID-19 in people who could develop life-threatening complications from the virus.
Studies have shown that Pemgarda provides an antibody boost for people who do not have an adequate immune response after a vaccination. That response could be brought on by an underlying condition or due to chemotherapy or medications that suppress the immune system.
Pemgarda infusions, made by Invivyd, are expected to be available within the next two weeks.
The FDA has also approved a medication called Sotatercept. It may be able to help stop or reverse a serious blood vessel disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH. It is a rare condition that causes blood vessels to thicken, making the heart work harder to get blood into the lungs.