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Sotrovimab (Monograph)

Drug class: Monoclonal Antibodies
- SARS-CoV-2-specific Monoclonal Antibody

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 22, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Warning

On March 25, 2022, FDA issued an update to the emergency use authorization (EUA) for sotrovimab based on new data showing that the current authorized dose of sotrovimab is unlikely to be effective against the Omicron BA.2 subvariant. Under the revised EUA, sotrovimab is no longer authorized for use at this time in geographic regions where infection is likely to have been caused by a SARS-CoV-2 variant that is not susceptible to this treatment. There are several other therapies (e.g., nirmatrelvir, remdesivir, bebtelovimab, molnupiravir) that are expected to be effective against the BA.2 subvariant, and that are authorized or approved to treat certain patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe disease, including hospitalization or death. Health care providers should assess whether these treatments are suitable for their patients. FDA will continue to monitor the BA.2 subvariant in all U.S. regions and may revise the authorization further to ensure that patients with COVID-19 have effective treatments available. Health care providers should also monitor the frequency of BA.2 in their region as they choose appropriate treatment options for their patients.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are cautioned that sotrovimab is not an approved treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2, but rather, is being investigated for and is currently available under an FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain outpatients. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to the information contained in the accompanying monograph, and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Readers of this information are advised that ASHP is not responsible for the continued currency of the information, for any errors or omissions, and/or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in the monograph in any and all practice settings. Readers are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.

Introduction

Antiviral; recombinant human IgG1κ neutralizing monoclonal antibody specific for SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Uses for Sotrovimab

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Being investigated for and has been used in the treatment of COVID-2019 [off-label] caused by SARS-CoV-2.

One of several SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies being evaluated for treatment of COVID-19.

Although efficacy and safety not definitely established, sotrovimab is available under an FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain outpatients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

On May 26, 2021, FDA issued an EUA that permits use of sotrovimab for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 [off-label] in adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age weighing ≥40 kg with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. The EUA requires that the drug be administered by a health care provider in an appropriate setting via IV infusion using the dosage recommended in the EUA. (See Dosage and Administration.)

FDA issued the EUA for sotrovimab after concluding that emergency use of the drug for treatment of COVID-19 met the criteria for issuance of an EUA for the following reasons: SARS-CoV-2 can cause a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, including severe respiratory illness; based on the totality of scientific evidence available to FDA, it is reasonable to believe that sotrovimab may be effective in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age weighing ≥40 kg who have positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and, when used under the conditions described in the EUA, the known and potential benefits of the drug outweigh the known and potential risks; and there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives to the emergency use of sotrovimab for the treatment of COVID-19 in such patients.

When determining appropriate use of sotrovimab under the EUA, FDA states consider the following medical conditions and other factors that may place adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age at higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19: older age (e.g., ≥65 years of age); obesity or being overweight (e.g., body mass index [BMI] >25 kg/m2 or, in those 12–17 years of age, BMI ≥85th percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts); pregnancy; chronic kidney disease; diabetes mellitus; immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive therapy; cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease) or hypertension; chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD, moderate to severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension); sickle cell disease; neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity (e.g., genetic or metabolic syndromes, severe congenital anomalies); or medical-related technological dependence (e.g., tracheostomy, gastrostomy, positive-pressure ventilation not related to COVID-19).

FDA also states use of sotrovimab under the EUA is not limited only to the medical conditions and factors listed above; other medical conditions and factors (e.g., race or ethnicity) may also place individual patients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. Consider the benefits versus risks for the individual patient when making treatment decisions regarding use of FDA-authorized SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies, including sotrovimab. Additional information on medical conditions and factors associated with increased risk for progression to severe COVID-19 is available at [Web].

Sotrovimab is not authorized under the EUA for use in patients who are hospitalized due to COVID-19, require oxygen therapy and/or respiratory support due to COVID-19, or are on chronic oxygen therapy due to an underlying non-COVID-19-related comorbidity and require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate and/or respiratory support due to COVID-19. Benefit not observed when used in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies, such as sotrovimab, may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when administered to hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

If a patient is hospitalized for reasons other than COVID-19 (e.g., an elective orthopedic procedure) and reports mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, confirmed with positive results of a direct SARS-CoV-2 viral test, FDA states that treatment with sotrovimab may be appropriate if the patient is also at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 and the terms and conditions of the EUA are met.

Sotrovimab is not authorized under the EUA for prevention of COVID-19 [off-label].

The EUA for sotrovimab authorizes that distribution of the drug will be controlled by the US government for use consistent with the terms and conditions of the EUA. (See Restricted Distribution under Preparations.)

To mitigate risks of this unapproved drug, the EUA includes certain mandatory requirements (including providing information to the patient or parent/caregiver and ensuring that all medication errors and serious adverse events potentially attributable to sotrovimab are reported to FDA). (See EUA Requirements for Patient Monitoring and Mandatory FDA MedWatch Reporting under Cautions.) In addition, the manufacturer is required to establish a process for monitoring genomic databases for emergence of global viral variants of SARS-CoV-2 and, if requested by FDA, must assess activity of sotrovimab against any global SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest.

Consult the sotrovimab EUA letter of authorization ([Web]), EUA fact sheet for health care providers ([Web]), and EUA fact sheet for patients, parents, and caregivers ([Web]) for additional information.

In nonhospitalized patients who require treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19, the NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel states that when logistical or supply constraints limit availability of SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies or oral antiviral agents because of high prevalence of the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of concern (VOC), these drugs should be prioritized for patients who are at the highest risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. The Panel favors the use of ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir in most high-risk, outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. If ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir is unavailable or cannot be used because of drug interactions, the Panel recommends using sotrovimab in patients who live in areas with a high prevalence of the Omicron VOC. If sotrovimab is unavailable, the Panel recommends using a 3-day course of remdesivir. Molnupiravir should only be administered when ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, sotrovimab, and remdesivir are either not available or cannot be used.

Sotrovimab Dosage and Administration

General

Administration

IV Administration

Administer only by IV infusion.

For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.

Do not administer simultaneously through same IV infusion line with other drugs.

After IV infusion is completed, flush infusion line with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection to ensure delivery of entire dose.

Dilution

Sotrovimab is supplied as a solution concentrate in single-dose vials; must dilute in 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection prior to IV infusion.

Remove vial containing sotrovimab solution concentrate (500 mg per 8 mL) from refrigerated storage (see Stability) and allow to equilibrate to room temperature for approximately 15 minutes while protecting from light.

Sotrovimab solution concentrate should appear as a clear, colorless or yellow to brown solution; discard if solution concentrate contains particulates or is discolored.

Prior to use, gently swirl vial several times without creating air bubbles; do not shake.

To prepare diluted sotrovimab solution, withdraw 8 mL of sotrovimab solution concentrate from the vial and dilute in a 50- or 100-mL prefilled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyolefin (PO) IV infusion bag containing 0.9% sodium chloride injection or a 50- or 100-mL prefilled PVC IV infusion bag containing 5% dextrose injection. Prior to infusion, gently rock the IV bag back and forth 3–5 times; do not invert the bag and avoid formation of air bubbles.

Administer sotrovimab solution immediately following dilution. If immediate administration not possible, may store diluted solution for up to 6 hours at room temperature (up to 25°C) or for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator (2–8°C), including transport and infusion time. If diluted solution was refrigerated, allow it to equilibrate to room temperature for approximately 15 minutes prior to administration.

Use a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyolefin (PO) infusion set; a 0.2-µm polyethersulfone (PES) filter is strongly recommend when administering sotrovimab solution for IV infusion.

Sotrovimab contains no preservatives; discard any unused solution concentrate remaining in the vial and any unused diluted solution of the drug.

Rate of Administration

Administer diluted solutions by IV infusion over 15 minutes for a 50-mL infusion bag or 30 minutes for a 100-mL infusion bag. If an infusion-related reaction occurs, consider slowing or stopping the infusion and administer appropriate medications and/or supportive care. Clinically monitor patients during the infusion and for at least 1 hour after infusion is complete for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Pediatric Patients

Coronavirus Disease 2019† [off-label] (COVID-19)
Outpatients with Mild to Moderate Disease† [off-label]
IV

FDA EUA that permits use for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 (see Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19] under Uses) states that pediatric patients ≥12 years of age weighing ≥40 kg who are outpatients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 should receive 500 mg of sotrovimab administered as a single IV infusion. Administer as soon as possible after positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2 and within 10 days of symptom onset.

Adults

Coronavirus Disease 2019† (COVID-19)
Outpatients with Mild to Moderate Disease†
IV

FDA EUA that permits use for treatment of mild to moderate disease (see Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19] under Uses) states that adults who are outpatients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 should receive 500 mg of sotrovimab administered as a single IV infusion. Administer as soon as possible after positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2 and within 10 days of symptom onset.

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Coronavirus Disease 2019† (COVID-19)
IV

Single dose.

Adults

Coronavirus Disease 2019† (COVID-19)
IV

Single dose.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Effect of hepatic impairment unknown.

Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment not recommended.

Geriatric Patients

Dosage adjustment not recommended.

Cautions for Sotrovimab

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Sensitivity and Infusion-related Reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, reported with sotrovimab. Hypersensitivity reactions occurring >24 hours after IV infusion reported with SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody therapy.

Anaphylaxis reported in a hospitalized patient receiving sotrovimab (not an FDA-authorized use). IV infusion was immediately discontinued and event resolved following treatment with epinephrine; event recurred within 2 hours and then improved following administration of another epinephrine dose and there were no additional reactions.

Infusion-related reactions occurring during and up to 24 hours after IV infusion of sotrovimab reported; such reactions may be severe or life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions may include fever, difficulty breathing, reduced oxygen saturation, chills, fatigue, arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, bradycardia), chest pain or discomfort, weakness, altered mental status, nausea, headache, bronchospasm, hypotension, hypertension, angioedema, throat irritation, rash (including urticaria), pruritus, myalgia, vasovagal reactions (e.g., pre-syncope, syncope), dizziness, and diaphoresis.

If signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or other clinically important hypersensitivity reaction occur, immediately discontinue sotrovimab IV infusion and initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive care.

If an infusion-related reaction occurs, consider slowing or stopping sotrovimab IV infusion and initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive care.

Clinical Worsening after SARS-CoV-2-specific Monoclonal Antibody Administration

Clinical worsening of COVID-19, including signs or symptoms of fever, hypoxia or increased respiratory difficulty, arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, bradycardia), fatigue, and altered mental status, reported following administration of SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody therapy; hospitalization required in some cases. Not known whether these events were related to the SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody or occurred because of progression of COVID-19.

Limitations of Benefit and Potential for Risk in Patients with Severe COVID-19

Not authorized for use under the EUA in patients who are hospitalized due to COVID-19, require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19, or are on chronic oxygen therapy due to an underlying non-COVID-19-related comorbidity and require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19.

Benefit not observed when used in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies, such as sotrovimab, may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when administered to hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

EUA Requirements for Patient Monitoring and Mandatory FDA MedWatch Reporting

Safety and efficacy not established. FDA issued an EUA that permits use of sotrovimab for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain adults and pediatric patients in an appropriate setting via IV infusion using the dosage recommended in the EUA. (see Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19] under Uses)

Only limited data available to date regarding adverse effects associated with use of sotrovimab. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with the drug.

Completion of FDA MedWatch forms to report all medication errors and all serious adverse events potentially related to sotrovimab is mandatory. Consult fact sheet for health care providers that is provided with the drug and available at FDA website for requirements and instructions regarding reporting of adverse reactions and medication errors.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Data insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage related to COVID-19 unknown.

Use during pregnancy only if potential benefit outweighs potential risk for the woman and fetus. If used in pregnant women, dosage adjustment not recommended. Advise patients of the availability of a pregnancy registry for sotrovimab.

NIH panel states do not withhold SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody therapy from a pregnant woman who has a condition that poses a high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 if clinician thinks potential benefit of the drug outweighs potential risk.

Nonclinical reproductive toxicity studies not performed. In a cross-reactive binding assay using a protein array enriched for human embryofetal proteins, no off-target binding detected for sotrovimab. Since sotrovimab is an Fc-enhanced human IgG, it has potential for placental transfer from the pregnant woman to the developing fetus. Not known whether such potential placental transfer provides any treatment benefit or risk to the developing fetus.

Lactation

Not known whether sotrovimab is distributed into human or animal milk, has effects on breast-fed infant, or affects milk production.

Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with the mother’s clinical need for sotrovimab and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition. If used in breast-feeding women, dosage adjustment not recommended.

Women with COVID-19 who are breast-feeding should follow clinical guidelines to avoid exposing the infant to the virus.

Pediatric Use

The FDA EUA permits use of sotrovimab for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain pediatric patients ≥12 years of age weighing ≥40 kg (see Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19] under Uses).

Not authorized in pediatric patients <12 years of age or weighing <40 kg. Safety and efficacy not assessed in pediatric patients.

The EUA-recommended dosage is expected to result in serum exposures of the drug in patients ≥12 years of age weighing ≥40 kg that are comparable to those observed in adults (based on an allometric scaling approach accounting for age-associated effects of body weight on clearance and volume of distribution).

Geriatric Use

Data from an ongoing trial evaluating sotrovimab for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in outpatients (NCT04545060; COMET-ICE) indicate that 20% of the 430 patients treated with sotrovimab were ≥65 years of age and 10% were ≥75 years of age.

Difference in pharmacokinetics of sotrovimab in geriatric patients compared with younger patients unknown.

Hepatic Impairment

Effect of hepatic impairment on pharmacokinetics of sotrovimab unknown.

Renal Impairment

Not expected to affect sotrovimab exposure; drug not eliminated by renal excretion.

Common Adverse Effects

Data from an ongoing trial in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 (NCT04545060; COMET-ICE) indicate most common treatment-emergent adverse events in those treated with sotrovimab were mild or moderate (grade 1 or 2) rash (2%) and diarrhea (1%). No other treatment-emergent adverse events reported more frequently in patients who received sotrovimab compared with placebo.

Drug Interactions

Not metabolized by CYP isoenzymes and not renally excreted; interactions unlikely if used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates, inducers, or inhibitors of CYP isoenzymes or with drugs that are renally excreted.

Specific Drugs

Drug

Interaction

Comments

COVID-19 vaccines

Data not available; not known whether prior receipt of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody therapy interferes with immune response to COVID-19 vaccines

To avoid potential interference with vaccine immune response, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends deferring COVID-19 vaccination for 90 days after receipt of a SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody for the treatment of COVID-19

ACIP states that if a SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and a COVID-19 vaccine dose are administered within the recommended deferral period (90 days), the vaccine dose does not need to be repeated.

If COVID-19 subsequently develops in a vaccinated individual, ACIP states prior receipt of COVID-19 vaccine should not affect treatment decisions, including use of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody therapies, or timing of such treatment

Sotrovimab Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Plasma Concentrations

Based on noncompartmental analysis, mean peak plasma concentration following a single 1-hour IV infusion is 137 mcg/mL and mean concentration on day 29 is 34 mcg/mL.

Distribution

Not known whether sotrovimab is distributed into human or animal milk.

Elimination

Metabolism

Not metabolized by CYP isoenzymes. Degraded by proteolytic enzymes.

Elimination Route

Not eliminated by renal excretion.

Dialysis not expected to affect pharmacokinetics.

Half-life

Approximately 49 days.

Special Populations

Renal impairment: Not expected to affect sotrovimab exposure since monoclonal antibodies with molecular mass >69 kDa do not undergo renal elimination.

Effects of hepatic impairment, sex, race, body weight, or disease severity on pharmacokinetics of sotrovimab unknown.

Stability

Storage

Parenteral

Solution Concentrate for Injection, for IV Infusion

Single-dose vials containing solution concentrate: Refrigerate (2–8°C); store in original carton. Do not freeze, shake, or expose to light.

Diluted solution for IV infusion: If immediate administration not possible, may store for up to 6 hours at room temperature (up to 25°C) or for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator (2–8°C), including transportation and infusion time.

Compatibility

Parenteral

Solution Compatibility1

Compatible

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Dextrose 5% in water

Actions and Spectrum

Advice to Patients

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Sotrovimab is not commercially available. FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for sotrovimab that allows use of the drug for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain adults and pediatric patients who are outpatients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Contact the manufacturer (GlaxoSmithKline) at 866-475-2684 for information on how to obtain sotrovimab for use under the EUA.

Sotrovimab

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Parenteral

Concentrate for injection, for IV infusion only

500 mg (62.5 mg/mL)

Sotrovimab

GlaxoSmithKline

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions April 1, 2022. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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