What is casirivimab?
Casirivimab is an experimental medicine being studied for use in treating conditions caused by coronavirus. It is not yet known if casirivimab is a safe and effective treatment for any condition.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized emergency use of casirivimab in combination with another medicine called imdevimab to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms). Casirivimab with imdevimab is for use only in people who test positive for COVID-19 and have a high risk of symptoms becoming severe enough to need treatment in a hospital or with supplemental oxygen.
The risk of COVID-19 symptoms becoming severe may be higher in people with:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher;
- chronic kidney disease;
- diabetes; or
- a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).
There also may be a higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms in adults who are:
- 65 years of age or older; or
- 55 years of age or older AND have heart disease, high blood pressure, or lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
There also may be a higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms in children (12 and older weighing at least 88 lbs or 40 kg) who have:
- a BMI at or above the 85th percentile for age and gender;
- sickle cell disease;
- a heart problem;
- a neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy;
- asthma or other chronic breathing disorder needing daily medication to control; or
- a tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation (not related to COVID-19).
Casirivimab and imdevimab are mixed together into a single solution to be injected into a vein. The mixture of these two medicines is called Regen-COV.
Casirivimab and imdevimab have not been approved to treat coronavirus or COVID-19. However, these medicines may help prevent the need for emergency medical care or admission to a hospital because of COVID-19. Regen-COV is not authorized for use in people who are already in the hospital or receiving supplemental oxygen for COVID-19.
Casirivimab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.