MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 6, 2022 /CNW/ - GSK today announced it has
signed agreements with the Government of Canada to supply 20,000 doses of
Sotrovimab for injection. Sotrovimab is a COVID-19 monoclonal
antibody therapy developed by GSK and Vir Biotechnology.
This follows the initial purchase agreement with the Government
of Canada to supply 10,000 doses
of Sotrovimab, announced on October 4,
2021. That agreement included the option for the
Government of Canada to purchase
additional doses based on emerging needs.
As per GSK's first contract, this agreement was negotiated with
Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Public Health Agency
of Canada. It enables provincial
and territorial healthcare systems to access Sotrovimab immediately
to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are
at high risk for progressing to hospitalization or death, such as
older adults and individuals with certain chronic medical
conditions. In fact, a portion of these 20,000 doses has already
been distributed to provinces equipping them with therapeutics to
treat COVID-19 patients.
"As variants of concern rapidly continue to emerge and intensify
the pandemic in Canada and
worldwide, the availability of therapies, such as Sotrovimab,
provide an important tool for healthcare professionals on the front
lines of the pandemic," said Faris El
Refaie, President, GSK Canada. "Together with the Government
of Canada, we're supporting
Canada's healthcare system by
providing access to effective treatments for patients who are ill
with COVID-19 and are at higher risk of progressing to
hospitalization or death."
"While vaccination is a critical prevention measure to help end
the COVID-19 pandemic, access to early treatments for those who are
at risk to progressing to severe disease is paramount for the
future," said Dr. Zain Chagla, Associate Professor of
Medicine, McMaster University. "In
light of emerging variants, and in particular omicron, I am
reassured by the news that the Government of Canada has procured additional doses of
sotrovimab, an effective treatment option that has the potential to
save the lives of Canadians who have tested positive for COVID-19
and prevent hospitalizations in high risk individuals, offering
another layer of protection to our communities."
Health Canada
authorized Sotrovimab for injection on July 30, 2021, under its Interim Order
Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use
in Relation to COVID-19 for the treatment of mild to moderate
COVID-19, confirmed by direct SARS-COV-2 viral testing, in adults
and adolescents (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg)
who are at high risk for progressing to hospitalization and/or
death.1
Please consult the Product Monograph at www.gsk.ca for complete
safety information. The Product Monograph is also available by
calling 1-800-387-7374.
About GSK
GSK is a science-led global healthcare
company. For further information please visit www.gsk.ca.
1
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Sotrovimab for
Injection Canadian Product Monograph, September 2021
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SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.