India sees record daily rises in COVID-19 infections of 400,000 , deaths rise by 3,980

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India reported on Thursday more than 400,000 coronavirus infections over the last 24 hours, while deaths rose by a record 3,980.

Meanwhile, India has given emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 antibody drug cocktail developed by Roche (ROG.S) and Regeneron (REGN.O), expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections.

The decision was taken based on data filed with the US regulators and the scientific opinion of a European regulatory panel, Roche's India distribution partner for the drug, Cipla (CIPL.NS), said on Wednesday.

The therapy is a cocktail of two antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab, which are synthetically manufactured copies of antibodies that the body produces after an infection.

It has been shown to reduce hospitalizations in COVID-19 patients who are at a high risk of developing severe illness.