Regeneron CEO Says Company 'Proud' Trump Received COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc REGN is "proud" to have developed an antibody treatment that was used to treat President Donald Trump, CEO Dr. Leonard Schleifer said on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

What Happened: Trump's medical team recommended he take Regeneron's experimental drug cocktail, and this led to some experts speculating he might have severe symptoms.

Taking Regeneron's cocktail is "nothing particularly earth-shattering," as the cocktail is designed to help an immune system win the battle against the virus in the early stages of infection, Schleifer said.

"We think that giving that antibody makes a lot of sense because it is just doing what the immune system is supposed to do but hasn't quite done yet," the CEO said. 

While it is impossible to conclude that Regeneron's treatment helped Trump, the evidence gathered from hundreds of experimental treatments is conclusive, he said.

When given early in the disease's progression, the cocktail helps the body "clear the virus," Schleifer said. 

Why It's Important: Trump is far from the first person to receive Regeneron's drug, as it is available to others as part of a compassionate use basis, the CEO said.

It made "sense" for the company to help in Trump's treatment in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the White House medical staff, he said. 

"Our role was to provide information, to provide understanding." 

What's Next: Trump could be discharged from Walter Reed Medical Center as early as Monday.

REGN Price Action: Regeneron shares were trading 5.89% higher at $598.06 at last check Monday. 

Related Links:

US Futures Rise As President Trump's Medical Team Suggests Monday Return To White House

Trump's Doc Says President Fever-Free, Taking COVID-19 Treatment Remdesivir At Walter Reed

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Posted In: NewsHealth CareManagementMediaGeneralCoronavirusCovid-19Donald TrumpLeonard Schleifer
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!

Loading...