Lilly antibody drug prevents COVID-19 in nursing homes, study finds

Eli Lilly & Co. reported Thursday that bamlanivimab, an antibody-based drug, prevented COVID-19 infection among many nursing home and assisted-living residents and staff members. According to Lilly, the drug lowered the risk of both staff and residents becoming sick with COVID-19 by about 57%, compared with a placebo 8 weeks after receiving doses. Among residents, the company noted, the effect was more significant, with an 80% reduction in COVID-19 risk. The partial results were from a Phase III study conducted in tandem with NIH. Lilly announced the findings in a news release and said it plans to publish the full results in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The company said it plans to ask FDA to expand the authorized use for bamlanivimab to include protecting people in long-term care facilities where someone has recently been diagnosed with COVID-19.