The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of another new COVID-19 treatment, called Sotrovimab, on Friday, 14 January.

According to the WHO, Sotrovimab, sold under the brand name Xevudy, can effectively treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection in adults and paediatric patients above 12 years of age who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19 and needing hospitalisation.

What do we know about the Sotrovimab treatment? What are its limitations? Who are eligible to avail the Sotrovimab treatment? FIT answers your FAQs.

Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment produced by GSK pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Xevudy, much like Roche's antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19.

At the same time, Sotrovimab's effect on COVID-19 who are not at a risk of getting hospitalised is negligible, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).

• Sotrovimab is recommended for adults and paediatric patients (over 12 years) diagnosed with obesity, who have moderate COVID-19 infection.

• Immunocompromised patient who have various comorbidities and are at a higher risk of progressing towards severe COVID infection.

• People with neurological disorders who are prone to complex COVID infection.

• Unvaccinated people.

• Older people above 65 years of age.

Pregnant women are also eligible to use this treatment.

Sotrovimab is not authorized for use in patients who fall under the following categories:

• Patients who are hospitalised due to severe COVID-19 illness.

• COVID-19 patients who require oxygen therapy.

• Patients who require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19.

WHO also warns that SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies might be related to worse clinical outcomes when administered to hospitalised patients with COVID-19 requiring high flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

The recommended dosage of Sotrovimab to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection in patients is 500 mg.

There is no change in the dosage for pregnant or lactating women who test COVID positive.

The Sotrovimab injection should be prepared and administered by a professional healthcare worker only, after diluting it properly.

Unopened vials can be stored at at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

According to the US FDA, some of the most common side effect include,

• Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis

• Fever

• Difficulty in breathing

• Dizziness

• Myalgia

• Chest pain

• Weakness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Throat irritation

No, GSK's monoclonal antibody treatment is not currently available in India. However, this could change soon, as the company announced it was 'discussing its options'.