Clinical trials released Thursday show AstraZeneca’s antibody treatment is effective at preventing COVID-19 in those prone to adverse reactions to vaccines, such as cancer patients.

Most of the participants in the trial had underlying conditions, including those with compromised immunity, and thus may not have a strong response to vaccination.

Patients that were given a single injection of the antibody treatment, AZD7442, were 83% less likely to contract severe symptoms of the virus than those who were given a placebo. The drug is just as effective when distributed as a preventative measure or as treatment.

No trial participants were vaccinated and will be followed up for 15 months to provide further information on long-term protection.

Half a year after the treatment was distributed, no severe cases or deaths from the had been documented. Within the group given the placebo, five participants contracted severe disease symptoms, with two virus-related deaths.

According to AstraZeneca, about 2% of the global population is at risk of developing adverse reactions to the vaccine.

The FDA is yet to approve the use of AZD7442, despite AstraZeneca asking for emergency use authorization of the antibody injection. If it is approved, the British-Swedish biotechnology company has stated that it will provide the U.S. government with 700,000 doses.

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