Denise Myshko is your editorial contact for the Formulary Watch. She joined Formulary Watch as editor is June 2021 from Oncology Live. Prior to that, she was managing editor of PharmaVOICE, a trade publication in the pharmaceutical industry. Email: dmyshko@mjhlifesciences.com

Regeneron has chosen Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions for 

 administration of Regeneron’s REGEN-COV (casirivimab and imdevimab) monoclonal antibody to treat and prevent COVID-19. The organizations have 21 locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. All locations are licensed to administer the REGEN-COV antibody treatment. A list of locations can be found 

REGEN-COV is was approved under an Emergency Use Authorization to both treat non-hospitalized patients and prevent infection from COVID-19. In July, Regeneron had received an 

 for the post-exposure prophylaxis in people exposed to COVID-19. This was supported by phase 3 data showing 81% reduced risk of symptomatic infections in close contacts of those who have COVID-19.

 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense will purchase 1.4 million additional doses of REGEN-COV. The government will continue to provide REGEN-COV at no cost to patients. Under the new agreement, Regeneron will supply the additional 1,200 mg doses of REGEN-COV to the U.S. government by January 31, 2022, at a cost of $2,100 per dose. This new agreement follows two earlier agreements with the U.S. government announced in 

Regeneron expects to begin delivering the additional REGEN-COV doses to the U.S. government in September, with the vast majority delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021.

"While vaccination remains the first line of defense to decrease the burden of COVID-19, REGEN-COV is a key tool that reduces the risk of hospitalization or death by 70% in high-risk individuals when given early in the course of the infection. Recently there has been greater demand for REGEN-COV, and we will provide additional doses to the U.S. government as quickly as possible,” Leonard S. Schleifer, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Regeneron, said in a statement.

The company continues development of the antibody treatment for the prevention of symptomatic infection in asymptomatic household contacts (both 

) of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals; treatment of 

 patients already infected with SARS-CoV-2, and treatment of certain patients 

 due to COVID-19 infection, including the UK 

REGEN-COV is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies that was designed specifically to block infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 using Regeneron’s proprietary 

Articles

Regeneron also announced an expanded contract with the U.S. government for the purchase of additional doses of REGEN-COV.

Amber Specialty, Hy-Vee to Dispense Regeneron Monoclonal Antibody for COVID-19

 Takeda Oncology’s Exkivity (mobocertinib) to treat adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations.

Exkivity, which was granted priority review and received breakthrough therapy designation, fast track designation, and orphan drug designation from the FDA, is the first approved oral therapy to target EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. The FDA approval is based on results from the platinum-pretreated population in the phase 1/2 trial of Exkivity in patients who had received prior platinum-based therapy. Results were presented at the 

2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

 In May. In this trial, the therapy demonstrated an overall response rate of 28% as well as a median duration of response of 17.5 months, a median overall survival of 24 months.

The most common adverse reactions were diarrhea, rash, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, dry skin, and musculoskeletal pain.

“EGFR exon20 insertion NSCLC is an underserved cancer that we have been unable to target effectively with traditional EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors,” Pasi A. Jänne, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, said in a statement. “The approval of EXKIVITY (mobocertinib) marks another important step forward that provides physicians and their patients with a new targeted oral therapy specifically designed for this patient population that has shown clinically meaningful and sustained responses.”

 Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Oncomine Dx Target Test as a companion diagnostic to identify patients who are candidates for Exkivity. The test evaluates 23 genes associated with NSCLC. The FDA first approved the test as a companion diagnostic in 2017. In the United States, it is now approved for five targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer and one targeted therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer, 

 about 85%. The global cancer burden is expected to be 28.4 million cases in 2040, a 47% rise from 2020, according to one 

.Patients with EGFR exon 20 insertions make up about 1% to 2% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Another therapy for exon 20 insertion mutations was approved earlier this year for this indication. In May 2021, the FDA 

 Rybrevant (amivantamab-vmjw), a bispecific antibody directed against EGFR and MET receptors. Developed by Janssen, the drug is used to treat adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation who have progressed with chemotherapy. Rybrevant, which is administered intravenously, had previously received the FDA’s priority review and breakthrough therapy designation.

 Guardant Health’s Guardant360 CDx liquid biopsy as a companion diagnostic.


Takeda Oncology’s Exkivity treats non-small lung cancer in patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This is the second approval for this mutation and the first oral therapy.



FDA Approves Exkivity, a Novel Oral Therapy for Lung Cancer

The FDA has accepted Axsome Therapeutics’ new drug application (NDA) for meloxicam-rizatriptan (AXS-07) for the treatment of acute migraine, bringing the novel investigational medication one step closer to full FDA approval.

Meloxicam-rizatriptan is a novel, oral, rapidly absorbed therapy for migraine, Axsome said in a 

. It is designed to provide rapid, enhanced and consistent relief of migraine, with reduced symptom recurrence, according to the company.


The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of April 30, 2022, for the NDA. 

“The FDA’s acceptance of the NDA for AXS-07 is an important milestone for Axsome as it brings us closer to potentially making this multi-mechanistic treatment available to migraine patients in need,” Herriot Tabuteau, M.D., CEO of Axsome, said in a statement.

The NDA is supported by results from two phase 3 randomized, double-blind, controlled trials that demonstrated elimination of migraine pain compared with placebo and active controls, the pharma maker said.

Migraines are common condition, with 15.3% of Americans aged 18 years or older reporting a migraine or severe headache in the previous three months, 

Meloxicam is a new molecular entity enabled by Axsome’s MoSEIC (Molecular Solubility Enhanced Inclusion Complex) technology, which results in rapid absorption while maintaining a long half-life. Meloxicam is a COX-2 preferential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and rizatriptan is a 5-HT1B/1D agonist.

Meanwhile, OptumRx listed another investigational migraine medication, AbbVie’s ategoepant, as one of 

 for the third quarter of 2021. Ategoepant, expected to garner FDA approval in the third quarter, offers an additional oral treatment option for preventing migraine attacks.

The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of April 30, 2022.

Investigational Oral Migraine Treatment Closer to Full FDA Approval

 BeiGene’s Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma who have received at least one anti-CD20-based regimen.

Brukinsa is a small molecule inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, which plays a role in B-cell receptor signaling, a driver in the development of marginal zone lymphoma. In 2016, there were 

 7,460 newly diagnosed patients with marginal zone lymphoma in the United States.

The approval is based on efficacy results from two single-arm clinical trials, with overall response rate as the primary end point. In the phase 2 MAGNOLIA trial, 66 patients were evaluated. Based on assessment using CT scan, the overall response rate was 56%; based on assessment prioritizing PET-CT scan, the overall response rate was 67%. In a phase 1/2 trial, 20 patients were evaluated, and based on assessment using CT scan, the overall response rate was 80%.

The most common adverse reactions in a pooled safety population of 847 patients were decreased neutrophil count, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased platelet count, hemorrhage, decreased lymphocyte count, rash, and musculoskeletal pain.

“We are optimistic that Brukinsa will bring clinically meaningful benefit to patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma,” Stephen Opat, MBBS, director of clinical hematology at Monash Health, head of department of hematology at Monash University, and lead principal investigator of the MAGNOLIA trial, said in a statement.

The recommended dose is either 160 mg twice daily or 320 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food.

Brukinsa was approved by the FDA in November 2019 for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy and in August 2021 for adult patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.

The agency has granted accelerated approval to Brukinsa as a second-line treatment for patients with marginal zone lymphoma, a group of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Brukinsa Snags Third FDA Approval for Lymphoma

 the administration cost for a COVID-19 booster for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, including those undergoing cancer treatment. Organization executives said in a statement that members in commercial Blue Network S, P and L, as well as Medicare Advantage, BlueCare Tennessee and BlueCare Plus Tennessee will also be able to get a booster without any out-of-pocket costs.

“It’s our responsibility to support members seeking to protect themselves against COVID-19. Research has demonstrated the clear value of a booster to reduce risk, which ultimately will help communities facing the Delta variant surge,” Andrea Willis, M.D., chief medical officer for BlueCross.

 COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those who:

Are receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood

Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

Have a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency

Have an advanced or untreated HIV infection

Are undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune response

Additional, the plan is waiving member costs for medically necessary COVID-19 testing until the end of the national public health emergency, and last year made permanent 

 for in-network telehealth visits for members with employer-based or individual plans.

The plan will cover administration of the booster for those with cancer or who are immunocompromised.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to Cover COVID-19 Booster

 to its Medicare Part D formulary effective. Effective September 1, 2021, Romark Laboratories’ Alinia (nitazoxanide) tablets 500 mg and Alinia for suspension 100 mg/5mL have will no longer be covered by Medicare Part D. The change impacts several of the organization’s formularies, including Ideal Formularies and Value & Essential Formularies. Additionally, some client formularies are affected, including those of Alignment, Asuris, Capital Blue Cross, HCSC, Horizon, and Regence.

Alinia is an anti-parasitic agent that is used to treat the symptoms of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or Giardia lamblia.

 a generic version of nitazoxanide tablets.

Prime Therapeutics will also remove Pfizer’s Sutent (sunitinib) capsules, 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg, from the drug list effective September 15, 2021. The change impacts several of the organization’s formularies, including Ideal Formularies and Value & Essential Formularies. Additionally, some client formularies are affected, including those of Alignment, Asuris, Capital Blue Cross, HCSC, Horizon, and Regence.

Sutent is a chemotherapy used to treat advanced or progressive tumors of the stomach, intestines, esophagus, pancreas, or kidneys.

Prime stated that the reason for this change is that a generic is now available from 

Prime Therapeutics manages pharmacy benefits for health plans, employers, and government programs including Medicare and Medicaid and serves more than one million Medicare beneficiaries.

Alinia and Sutent have been removed from the drug lists because of the introduction of generic therapies.

Prime Therapeutics Removes Two Therapies from Medicare D Formulary

New data from two studies demonstrate robust prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and strong adherence rates in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with Janssen’s Erleada (apalutamide) in the real-world clinical setting, according to 

 released by Janssen. A strong PSA response was also seen in a separate post-hoc analysis that showed a correlation between rapid and deep PSA response and prolonged survival in both metastatic and non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer.

These findings were presented during two sessions at the virtual American Urological Association Annual Meeting.

In metastatic prostate cancer, the percentage of patients with a PSA decline of ≥50 percent or ≥90 percent was about three times higher for patients treated with Erleada plus androgen deprivation therapy compared with patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy alone.

For non-metastatic cancer, androgen deprivation therapy showed declines in PSA, including undetectable levels in some patients.

A separate study showed that Erleada plus androgen deprivation therapy demonstrated high treatment adherence, with >90 percent of patients adhering to therapy in both Black and non-Black subgroups.

“These findings support the use of apalutamide in delaying disease progression and metastasis in patients with nmCRPC across various demographics,” lead investigator Benjamin Lowentritt, M.D., director prostate cancer care Program, Chesapeake Urology, said in a statement.

About 12.5% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death behind breast cancer, 

The FDA approved Erleada in 2018 to treat patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and in 2019 for metastatic disease.


Real-world data show Erleada prolonged survival in both metastatic and non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer.

Study: Erleada Demonstrates PSA Response and Increased Patient Adherence in Prostate Cancer

Jacobus Pharmaceutical Company is voluntarily

 three lots of Ruzurgi (amifampridine) 10 mg tablets. These lots have been found to be contaminated with yeast, mold, and aerobic bacteria, which could lead to life-threatening infections.

Ruzurgi is used to treat children ages 6 to 17 who have Lambert Eaton Syndrome (LEMS), a rare, autoimmune disease that affects the connection between nerves. This interferes with the ability of nerve cells to send signals to muscle cells, resulting in weakness of the upper legs, upper arms, and shoulders, 

In about 50% to 60% of cases, LEMS is associated with an underlying disease, particularly small cell lung cancer. It is thought that the body’s attempt to fight the cancer inadvertently causes it to attack nerve endings because cancer cells share some of the same proteins as nerve endings.

The estimated worldwide prevalence of LEMS is about 2.8 per million, 

 to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

The product affected by the recall is packaged in 100-count bottles with an NDC number of 49938-110-01 with the following control numbers and expiration dates

Ruzurgi was distributed worldwide to specialty pharmacies and physicians.

Jacobus was informed of the contaminated product by its Canadian partner that was conducting confirmatory full testing on Control Number 18038. Jacobus conducted an expanded investigation, which identified Control Numbers 18039 and 18079 as also being contaminated.

The affected lots of this rare disease therapy have been contaminated with yeast, mold, and bacteria, which could lead to life-threatening infections.

FDA Recalls Three Lots of Ruzurgi

 the biologics license application (BLA) for the BeiGene’s anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab as a treatment for patients with unresectable recurrent locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after prior systemic therapy. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is July 12, 2022.

In January 2021, BeiGene and Novartis entered into a 

 and license agreement granting Novartis rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize tislelizumab in North America, Europe, and Japan.

The submission is based on results from RATIONALE 302, a global phase 3 trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab compared with investigator’s choice of chemotherapy as a second-line treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC. The trial demonstrated a 30% reduction in the risk of death and extended median overall survival by 2.3 months compared with chemotherapy in people with unresectable recurrent locally advanced or metastatic

Results of this trial were presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO 2021). The submission also included safety data on 1,972 patients who received tislelizumab as a monotherapy from seven clinical trials.

 there will be more than 19,000 new cases of esophageal cancer in 2021 and an estimated 15,530 deaths from this cancer.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC). Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for up to 30% of esophageal cancer cases in the United States. Five-year survival rate for this cancer is 19.9%.

In addition to the United States, tislelizumab is under regulatory review in China for this indication.

The PDUFA date has been set for July 12, 2022.


FDA Accepts BLA for Tislelizumab for Second-line Esophageal Cancer

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly’s blockbuster diabetes drug Jardiance (empagliflozin) received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA as an investigational treatment for adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Last fall, the FDA also granted Fast Track designation to the two pharma makers 

to develop a new heart attack-related indication

Sales of the popular diabetes medication increased 36% to $356.5 million in the second quarter of 2021, per 

The Breakthrough Therapy decision is based on results from the landmark EMPEROR-Preserved phase 3 trial, in which Jardiance demonstrated a 21% relative risk reduction for the composite primary end point of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in adults with HFpEF compared with placebo, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly said in a 

HFpEF accounts for about half of the more than 6 million heart failure cases in the United States. No currently approved treatments have been clinically proven to significantly improve outcomes specifically for people with HFpEF, the pharma makers said.

"Given the scarcity of treatment options for this debilitating condition, the benefits demonstrated in the EMPEROR-Preserved trial constituted a major clinical breakthrough," Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of product development at Lilly, said in a statement. "Together with our Boehringer Ingelheim partners, we look forward to working closely with the FDA through this accelerated process to potentially bring Jardiance to adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as soon as possible."

Results from EMPEROR-Preserved were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2021 on August 27 and were also published in 

Jardiance demonstrated a 21% relative risk reduction for the composite primary endpoint of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure.


Jardiance Snags Breakthrough Therapy for Heart Failure with Preserved Injection Fraction

Formulary Watch Drug Shortage Tracker — September 19, 2021

The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted 16-2 against full approval for the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, in people over the age of 16. But they did vote unanimously to provide an emergency use authorization of the vaccine as a booster after six months for those over the age of 65 and those at high risk of severe COVID-19.

Committee members recognized research that showed waning immunity from the COVID vaccines over time, but they indicated there was not enough data to support a third dose in the general population. They were concerned about the safety of the third dose of the vaccine, specifically heart inflammation, and they wanted to see data specifically on this area of safety.

Materials the FDA released before the meeting included 

 of real-world data in Israel that found a third dose of the vaccine boosted vaccine effectiveness to the level initially seen after the second dose. Investigators found that the rate of confirmed infection was lower in the booster group than in the nonbooster group by a factor of 11.3, and the rate of severe illness was 7.5 cases per 100,000 person-days.

The third dose of the Pfizer vaccine in Israel was approved on July 30, and investigators analyzed data through Aug. 31, 2021. This study was 

FDA advisory committee members were concerned about myocarditis in younger people given the third dose. Investigators in Israeli study found that out of about 2 million booster doses, a small number of people experienced serious adverse events.

In the United States, safety surveillance reports received by FDA and CDC identified serious risks for myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of the first two doses of the vaccine, with higher rates seen in men under the age of 40 with the highest rates among male adolescents 16 and 17 years of age, according to a 

. An FDA analysis of the Optum database estimated an excess risk approaching 200 cases per million vaccinated males 16 and 17 years of age, but information was not available on long-term outcomes related to myocarditis.

When polled, all committee members agreed when polled to extending the EUA booster to those at risk for occupational exposure, including health care workers.

 the EUA for a booster of the Pfizer vaccine to those at least 12 years of age who have undergone an organ transplant, or who have conditions that lead to a similar level of level of compromised immune system. This authorization is separate and distinct from the booster dose reviewed by the committee.


The vaccines advisory committee voted late on Friday, September 17, 2021, to provide emergency authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a booster for those over the age of 65, as well as for those at high risk of developing severe disease. 


FDA Advisory Committee Supports COVID-19 Boosters for Some People

 applications to the FDA and the EMA for Rinvoq (upadacitinib) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. The applications are supported by data from two phase 3 induction studies and one maintenance study.

In these studies, more patients treated with Rinvoq achieved the primary endpoint of clinical remission and all secondary end points compared with placebo with 45 mg once daily at week eight for the induction studies, and with 15 mg and 30 mg once daily at 52 weeks for the maintenance study.

 of Rinvoq 15 mg or 30 mg were consistent with the safety profile observed in the phase 3 induction studies in ulcerative colitis, as well as in previous studies across indications. No new safety risks were identified.

“Many people continue to struggle with symptoms associated with their ulcerative colitis, such as fatigue, bowel urgency, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain,” Tom Hudson, M.D., senior vice president of research and development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie, said in a statement. "Upadacitinib has the potential to be an important new treatment option for people with ulcerative colitis, who want to address these challenging and disruptive symptoms. We look forward to working with regulatory authorities and hope to bring upadacitinib to people with ulcerative colitis as quickly as possible."

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine. In 2015, an estimated 1.3% of U.S. adults (3 million) reported being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, 

Rinvoq is a JAK inhibitor that is being studied in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Rinvoq 15 mg is approved in the United States for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It is approved in the EU for adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, adults with active psoriatic arthritis, adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and adults and adolescents 12 years and older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Rinvoq 30 mg is approved in the EU for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis under age 65.

Related: FDA’s New Warning Includes Xeljanz and other JAK Inhibitors

Rinvoq achieved primary and secondary end points compared with placebo.


AbbVie Submits Rinvoq to FDA and EMA for Ulcerative Colitis

 all remaining lots of Chantix (varenicline) 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets because of the presence of a nitrosamine, which may be associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Chantix is a treatment to help patients quit smoking and is intended for short term use. The products were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and distributors in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico from May 2019 to September 2021.

The NDC, lot numbers, and expiration date affected can be found 

 made over the last few months when 16 lots of Chantix had been recalled.

Pfizer officials say they are making this move as precaution since other options are now available. Last month, the FDA 

 the first generic version of Chantix. Developed by Par Pharmaceutical, which is part of Endo International, the generic varenicline tablet was approved August 11, 2021. The generic will come in doses of 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

Additionally, In July after Pfizer’s initial recalls, Apotex Corp., in coordination with the FDA, 

 temporary importation of Apo-Varenicline (varenicline tartrate) 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets into the U.S. market. Apo-Varenicline is the varenicline tartrate product approved by Health Canada as a generic equivalent to Champix tablets manufactured by Pfizer Canada. Champix is the brand name of Chantix in Canada.


To date, Pfizer has not received reports of adverse events related to this recall, but is making the move as a precaution. 



Pfizer Recalls All Lots of Smoking Cessation Drug Chantix

 Eli Lilly’s emergency use authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab 700 mg and etesevimab 1400 mg administered together to include post-exposure prophylaxis.

The neutralizing antibodies can now be used together to treat high-risk individuals 12 years of age and older who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or are not expected to mount an adequate immune response to complete vaccination, and have been exposed to someone infected with SARS-CoV-2.

 for the U.S. government to purchase 388,000 doses of etesevimab to complement doses of bamlanivimab previously purchased by the U.S. government, with about 200,000 doses expected to ship third quarter of 2021 and the remaining to be shipped in fourth quarter. This transaction is expected to generate about $330 million in revenue in the second half of 2021, according to a Lilly statement.

"The recent increase in COVID-19 cases has caused a substantial rise in the utilization of monoclonal antibody drugs, particularly in areas of the country with low vaccination rates," Daniel Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., Lilly's chief scientific and medical officer, and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, said in a statement. "Lilly developed bamlanivimab and etesevimab for administration together, in anticipation of variants such as the highly contagious Delta variant, which currently accounts for more than 98 percent of all identified COVID-19 cases in the United States."

The expanded authorization is based on data from BLAZE-2, a study conducted in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the COVID-19 Prevention Network that enrolled residents and staff at long-term care facilities across the United States. In this placebo-controlled phase 3 study, bamlanivimab reduced the risk of contracting symptomatic COVID-19 by up to 80% in nursing home residents and up to 57% among residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

Bamlanivimab and etesevimab together are authorized for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and adolescents (12 years of age) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing. But the combination is not authorized for use in patient who are hospitalized or who need oxygen therapy.

Bamlanivimab is a recombinant, neutralizing human IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It was designed to block viral attachment and entry into human cells. Etesevimab is a recombinant fully human monoclonal neutralizing antibody that specifically binds to the SARS-CoV-2 surface spike protein receptor and can block the binding of the virus to the ACE2 host cell surface receptor.

The combination of bamlanivimab/etesevimab can now be given to both treat and prevent COVID-19 infection after exposure.

Formulary Watch Drug Shortage Tracker — September 19, 2021

FDA Advisory Committee Supports COVID-19 Boosters for Some People

AbbVie Submits Rinvoq to FDA and EMA for Ulcerative Colitis

Pfizer Recalls All Lots of Smoking Cessation Drug Chantix

FDA Expands EUA for Lilly’s COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody