Regeneron says antibody cocktail prevents and treats COVID-19 in animals

FILE PHOTO: A scientist works on cells that produce antibodies against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in a university lab in Athens, Greece, July 8, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

(Reuters) - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Monday that the COVID-19 antibody drug combination it is developing both prevented and treated the disease in rhesus macaques and hamsters, adding to hope that it might work for people.

The U.S. biotech company said in the animal study, which has not yet been peer reviewed, that the cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies was able to "almost completely block establishment of virus infection."