Statistically significant lower risk is seen for mortality, hospitalization, and cases. 9 studies from 9 independent teams in 3 countries show statistically significant improvements.
Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 46% [28‑59%] lower risk. Results are similar for higher quality and peer-reviewed studies and slightly worse for Randomized Controlled Trials.
Results are robust — in exclusion sensitivity analysis 10 of 15 studies must be excluded to avoid finding statistically significant efficacy in pooled analysis.
Efficacy is variant dependent. In Vitro research suggests a lack of efficacy for omicron BA.2.75.2, BA.4.6, and BQ.1.1 Planas, BA.5, BA.2.75, XBB Haars, ХВВ.1.9.1, XBB.1.9.3, XBB.1.5.24, XBB.1.16, XBB.2.9, BQ.1.1.45, CL.1, and CH.1.1 Pochtovyi. US EUA has been revoked. mAb use may create new variants that spread globally Focosi, Leducq, and may be associated with prolonged viral loads, clinical deterioration, and immune escape Choudhary, Günther, Leducq.
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., Apr 2024, preprint, 1 author.