A panel of experts at Japan's health ministry has approved a COVID-19 antibody drug developed by British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.

The panel at a meeting on Monday gave the green light for the use of the Evusheld drug.

The drug has already been authorized for pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19 in the United States and European countries. The company filed an application for approval with Japanese authorities in June.

Evusheld consists of two antibodies that are injected. Trials suggest it is effective in preventing those infected from developing severe symptoms. And people who are administered it before being exposed to the coronavirus will likely have a reduced risk of infection.

In Japan, the drug is intended for people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, who would see little or no benefits from typical vaccines. Its efficacy is said to last roughly six months.

The health ministry is set to formally approve the drug on Tuesday. Ministry officials say Japan has secured enough doses to cover 150,000 people.