Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 34% [-24‑65%] lower risk, without reaching statistical significance. Results are similar for peer-reviewed studies and worse for Randomized Controlled Trials.
2 studies from 2 independent teams (both from the same country) show significant improvements.
Currently there is limited data, with only 34 control events for the most serious outcome in trials to date.
Efficacy is variant dependent. In Vitro research suggests a lack of efficacy for omicron BQ.1.11, BA.5, BA.2.75, XBB2. mAb use may create new variants that spread globally3,4, and may be associated with prolonged viral loads, clinical deterioration, and immune escape4-6.
Prescription treatments have been preferentially used by patients at lower risk7. Retrospective studies may overestimate efficacy, for example patients with greater knowledge of effective treatments may be more likely to access prescription treatments but result in confounding because they are also more likely to use known beneficial non-prescription treatments.
No treatment or intervention is 100% effective. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. Multiple treatments are typically used in combination, and other treatments may be more effective.
All data to reproduce this paper and sources are in the appendix.
Covid Analysis et al., May 2024, preprint, 1 author.
