The FDA has extended the shelf life for bamlanivimab, one of two drugs used in Eli Lilly's monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment, from 18 to 24 months.
At present, bamlanivimab and etesevimab — the other drug used in the treatment — are not authorized for use in the U.S. due to their diminished efficacy against the omicron variant.
"However, it is the recommendation of the U.S. government that product be retained in the event that future SARS-CoV-2 variants, which may be susceptible to bamlanivimab and etesevimab, emerge and become prevalent in the United States," HHS said May 4.
Federal health officials are still reviewing whether to extend the shelf life for etesevimab and will provide an update on the matter in November, HHS said.
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