<p>GlaxoSmithKline and partner Vir Biotechnology will expand their trial of an experimental antibody to treat Covid-19 after initial use by a group of volunteers did not raise any safety concerns.</p>.<p>The two partners in August started testing the antibody on early-stage Covid-19 patients, hoping to keep symptoms from progressing.</p>.<p>Various firms are running tests in this promising class of antiviral drugs to combat the pandemic.</p>.<p>After testing the drug on 20 US participants for safety, the trial will now expand as planned to 1,300 patients globally.</p>.<p>Half the participants will be randomly assigned to a control group receiving a placebo.</p>.<p>Interim trial results may be available as early as the end of 2020. Complete efficacy results are expected as early as January or later in the first quarter of 2021.</p>
<p>GlaxoSmithKline and partner Vir Biotechnology will expand their trial of an experimental antibody to treat Covid-19 after initial use by a group of volunteers did not raise any safety concerns.</p>.<p>The two partners in August started testing the antibody on early-stage Covid-19 patients, hoping to keep symptoms from progressing.</p>.<p>Various firms are running tests in this promising class of antiviral drugs to combat the pandemic.</p>.<p>After testing the drug on 20 US participants for safety, the trial will now expand as planned to 1,300 patients globally.</p>.<p>Half the participants will be randomly assigned to a control group receiving a placebo.</p>.<p>Interim trial results may be available as early as the end of 2020. Complete efficacy results are expected as early as January or later in the first quarter of 2021.</p>