▲ Corona 19 antibody treatment 'Lekrona'
Reuters reported that the European Medicines Agency will approve the sale of two types of antibody treatment for COVID-19 this week by Celltrion of Korea and Regeneron, a US pharmaceutical company.
The EMA this week will approve the sale of Celltrion's self-developed COVID-19 antibody treatment Lekkorona and Regeneron's antibody treatment Lonapreve, Reuters reported, citing EU sources.
Another EU official said: "Approval is imminent, but no specific date has been set," Reuters said.
These antibody therapies are used to prevent people with COVID-19 from becoming severe.
The two companies applied for sales approval to the EMA in early October, and the EMA has promised to give an opinion within two months.
Celltrion expects to make a decision on whether to approve it at the end of this month, a company spokesperson said.
The EMA said 'no comment' to the question about approval for the sale of these two types of antibody therapeutics, but said that discussions will be held at the monthly treatment approval committee to be held from the 8th to the 11th.
Earlier this week, US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly withdrew its application for a conditional marketing authorization to the EU, citing a lack of demand.
In Europe, the spread of COVID-19 is at an all-time high despite vaccinations.
Once approved for sale, these antibody therapeutics will be put into treatment for the first time in Europe.
(Photo = provided by Celltrion, Yonhap News)