Listen Live

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will be supplying the United States with up to half a million extra doses of its experimental antibody-based COVID-19 therapy, Reuters reported.

>> Read more trending news

The treatment has not been approved by U.S. regulators.

Unlike a vaccine that is intended to prevent a COVID-19 infection, the treatment treats the illness, Reuters reported.

It has shown promise combating the variants of COVID-19, Bloomberg reported.

>> Related: Moderna begins testing COVID-19 vaccine for children

The drugmaker said the 500,000 additional doses are in addition to the 200,000 doses that were agreed upon in October.

The deal will cost as much as $726 million, Bloomberg reported.

The shipment is contingent on an emergency use approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

The treatment, AZD7442, is in late-stage trials, Reuters reported.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus vaccines: CDC separates myths from facts

>> Coronavirus: Should we be wearing two masks when we go out in public?

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> Wash your masks: How to clean a cloth face covering

>> Fact check: Will masks lower the oxygen level, raise the carbon dioxide in your blood?

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does