Professor of clinical pharmacotherapy for infectious diseases Dirar Balawi Monday explained that AstraZeneca’s long-acting antibody (LAAB) combination is 'ready-made antibodies' given to those who have immunity issues, care home residents and people who suffer from chronic diseases that prevent them from taking the coronavirus vaccine.

The drug has been described as an 'instant immunity' antibody drug against COVID-19. Balawi added in a statement to Roya that the drug is not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine and is also not new, as it is the same drug that US President Donald Trump took.

According to AstraZeneca, "LAABs mimic natural antibodies and have the potential to treat and prevent disease progression in patients already infected with the virus, as well as to be given as a preventative intervention prior to exposure to the virus. A LAAB combination could be complementary to vaccines as a prophylactic agent... It could also be used to treat people who have been infected."

The antibodies in the drug remain in recipients' bodies for a whole year and do not have any negative effects on the immune system.

He expects the LAABs drug to be available in the market sometime in March.