EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) has started a rolling review of Evusheld (also known as AZD7442), a combination of two monoclonal antibodies (tixagevimab and cilgavimab), which is being developed by AstraZeneca AB for the prevention of COVID-19 in adults.
The CHMP’s decision to start the rolling review is based on preliminary results from clinical studies, which suggest that the medicine may help protect against the disease. EMA has started evaluating data from laboratory and animal studies (non-clinical data).
EMA will evaluate more data on the quality, safety and effectiveness of the medicine as they become available. The rolling review will continue until enough evidence is available for the company to submit a formal marketing authorisation application.
The Agency will assess the compliance of Evusheld with the usual EU standards for effectiveness, safety and quality. While EMA cannot predict the overall timelines, it should take less time than normal to evaluate an eventual application because of the work done during the rolling review.
EMA will communicate further when a marketing authorisation application for the medicine has been submitted.