Written question asked by Lord Mendelsohn (Labour) on Thursday, 12 May 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 May 2022. It was answered by Lord Kamall (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 May 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Tixagevimab/cilgavimab

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have not recognised the laboratory assay tests conducted in (1) the US, and (2) the EU, on Evusheld against Omicron subvariants.

Original answer: We understand that the United States of America has increased the suggested dose of Evusheld, in line with in vitro results showing that Evusheld has reduced efficacy against some Omicron subvariants. The Food and Drug Administration’s in vitro data was pseudovirus data, whereas the tests being conducted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are based on live virus data. The European Medicines Agency has acknowledged the possibility that Evusheld has reduced efficacy against Omicron subvariants, based on laboratory studies. The data generated by the UKHSA will enhance our understanding of the effectiveness of Evusheld's neutralisation of Omicron subvariants, including BA.2.

It has since been corrected.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL215
Session: 2022-23
Related items: Correction to Written Parliamentary Questions
Monday, 17 April 2023
Written statements
House of Commons; Correction to Written Parliamentary Questions
Monday, 17 April 2023
Written statements
House of Lords
Notes: Information corrected on 17 April at 731 c10-2WS
Subjects: Testing Tixagevimab/cilgavimab
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk