The European Medicines Agency has approved two more drugs for the treatment of coronavirus.
Xevudy and Kineret are recommended for use, the EMA said. The EU Commission has not yet given final approval, but this is considered a formality.
This will increase the number of drugs approved for use in the EU to treat COVID-19 patients to five.
Xevudy from GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology can prevent worsening symptoms in patients 12 years of age or older. Laboratory studies have shown that Xevudi is also effective against the Omicron variant. EMA experts have already given a positive opinion on the drug, and it is already prescribed for use in some EU member states.
Kineret from the Swedish manufacturer Orphan Biovitrum AB is already approved in the EU as a treatment for other inflammatory conditions. The drug may reduce inflammation and prevent serious airway damage in Covid-19 patients, according to the EMA.
EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides welcomed the EMA’s recommendations.