AstraZeneca signs deal with Canada for 100,000 doses of COVID drug

- AstraZeneca plc signed an agreement with Canada for 100,000 doses of its antibody therapy for prevention of COVID-19 in some high-risk patients, the country's government said on Wednesday.

AstraZeneca's Evusheld is under review by Health Canada for use as a preventive treatment against the disease in those who are immunocompromised.

"While vaccines provide excellent protection, people who are immunocompromised may need additional protection against COVID-19," said Canadian health minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

Initial deliveries of the antibody are expected to arrive in Canada within a month of authorization, the government said.

The company said doses of Evusheld will be delivered this year.