GSK says its Covid-19 treatment works on Omicron

GlaxoSmithKline said its treatment for Covid-19 was effective in treating all tested variants of the virus including key mutations of the Omicron strain.

The FTSE 100 drugs company said it had tested Sotrovimab on specific individual mutations found in Omicron and that the treatment had shown activity against all variants of concern defined by the World Health Organization.

GSK said it was working with Vir Technology, its partner on Sotrovimab, to confirm effectiveness against all Omicron mutations. An update is expected by the end of 2021.

Hal Barron, GSK's chief scientific officer, said: "Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been working with Vir to combine our scientific expertise and technologies to deliver an enduring treatment option for patients with Covid-19. Though early, these pre-clinical data support our long-held view on the potential for Sotrovimab to maintain its activity as the virus continues to mutate."

Sotrovimab has been found to cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by 79% in adults with mild-to-moderate Covid-19. GSK has sold the treatment to the US, the EU and other markets.

The Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible than earlier versions of Covid-19 and may be more resistant to vaccines. The appearance of the strain has affected financial markets and the UK has ordered people to wear masks on public transport and in shops.