Lilly secures $375m deal with US govt for bamlanivimab Covid-19 treatment

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), a global pharmaceutical leader, has signed a significant $375 million agreement with the US government for the supply of 300,000 vials of bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555), a neutralizing antibody treatment designed for Covid-19. The agreement is a part of the US government’s ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic and provides a critical opportunity for Lilly to deliver one of its most promising investigational therapies to patients in need.

What is bamlanivimab and how does it work?

Bamlanivimab, a 700mg neutralizing IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), is specifically engineered to target the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19. This antibody therapy is designed to block the virus from entering human cells, thereby preventing or reducing the severity of the infection. The therapy is currently undergoing rigorous clinical trials to assess its effectiveness in different patient populations, including those with mild to moderate Covid-19.

The deal marks a critical milestone for Lilly’s collaboration with AbCellera Biologics, announced in March 2020. Their partnership aims to fast-track the development of antibody therapies for both the treatment and prevention of Covid-19, contributing to the global effort to manage the ongoing health crisis.

Details of the supply agreement with the US government

Under the terms of the $375 million agreement, Lilly will supply the US government with 300,000 vials of bamlanivimab. The delivery is contingent on the receipt of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This authorization is essential for the therapy to be administered to patients outside of clinical trials.

The agreement also provides a provision for additional supplies, with the US government having the option to purchase up to 650,000 more vials by June 30, 2021, should the demand for the antibody rise. The total quantity would ensure that the US has a robust supply of the antibody to meet the needs of high-risk Covid-19 patients.

Lilly’s commitment to accelerating global access

David A. Ricks, Chairman and CEO of Lilly, emphasized the importance of such agreements in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement, Ricks noted, “Supply agreements with governments – such as this one with the U.S. government to meet Operation Warp Speed goals – are fundamental to enable the most widespread and equitable access to our potential therapy.”

He further explained that bamlanivimab could offer critical therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing viral load and the incidence of hospitalization, providing valuable relief to overburdened healthcare systems. This strategic partnership is in line with Lilly’s commitment to addressing urgent healthcare challenges globally.

Clinical trial progress and future manufacturing plans

Lilly’s clinical studies on bamlanivimab have shown promising results, with the company progressing through multiple phases of trials. The phase 1 study, which focused on hospitalized Covid-19 patients, has been completed, and results indicate potential benefits in reducing the severity of the disease.

A phase 2 trial is currently underway for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Covid-19, exploring the efficacy of bamlanivimab in an ambulatory setting. Additionally, Lilly is conducting a phase 3 study in long-term care facilities to assess the antibody’s ability to prevent Covid-19 infections in both residents and staff.

With these trials underway, Lilly is prepared to scale production of bamlanivimab rapidly. The company expects to produce up to a million doses of the antibody by the end of 2020, with 100,000 doses ready for dispatch immediately upon receiving the EUA. This swift production capability positions Lilly as a key player in the global fight against Covid-19.

Looking ahead: The broader role of antibody therapies in combating Covid-19

Lilly’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to develop and distribute effective Covid-19 treatments. Alongside its work with AbCellera Biologics, Lilly’s research has expanded to include participation in the National Institutes of Health-led ACTIV-2 trial, which is investigating bamlanivimab’s role in treating ambulatory Covid-19 patients.

The success of bamlanivimab and similar therapies could reshape how the medical community manages viral infections, particularly Covid-19. As monoclonal antibodies continue to show potential in combating the virus, Lilly’s contributions could have long-lasting effects on public health, offering more tools for healthcare providers to manage the ongoing pandemic.