ABU DHABI: A real-world evidence study on the results of AstraZeneca’s Evusheld in protecting immunocompromised patients in the UAE from symptomatic COVID-19 has been launched in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The study aims to offer critical data on the safety and efficacy of the long-acting antibody combination and is one of the many outcomes of a collaboration deal signed between the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and AstraZeneca last year.

As part of the department’s strategy to increase patient access to quality healthcare services, the agreement aims to improve research and development in health sciences and boost innovation in the healthcare sector.

The EVOLVE Real World Evidence Study, which is expected to continue until the end of 2023 with up to 1,000 participants, involves a linkup between AstraZeneca and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City hospital, overseen by the UAE capital’s health department.

Abu Dhabi was among a number of cities to receive the first global shipment of Evusheld, a long-acting antibody medication.

The multi-country, prospective observational study will help high-risk individuals in the UAE, and the wider Middle East and Africa region by accumulating evidence on how the treatment may protect against COVID-19.