Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab (Evusheld) boosts antibody levels to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with multiple sclerosis on b-cell depleters

Background and objectives: B-cell-depleting therapies may affect the development of a protective immune response following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. It is important to have a different strategy for creating immunity in this patient population. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) affects the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 following an attenuated response to the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in patients on b-cell depleters who have multiple sclerosis. Methods: This was a single-center cohort study performed at Methodist Hospitals in Merrillville, IN, USA. It included patients with multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab and ofatumumab. Patients had already received the mRNA vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 and had demonstrated an attenuated response on baseline antibody testing. All participants received 150 mg of Evusheld. Follow-up antibody levels were measured at least two weeks following Evusheld injections. Results: All patients (100%) developed the highest level of antibodies possible at least two weeks following Evusheld injections. Discussion: In this study, patients with MS who had an attenuated antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccines due to exposure to b-cell depleters now had the highest antibody response possible after receiving Evusheld. This is important as it provides a different strategy for protection against COVID-19.

Automated summary

This study confirms that the use of Evusheld can increase the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with multiple sclerosis who are undergoing B-cell depleting therapy, providing an alternative strategy for protection against COVID-19.