New data from the biotechnology firm Regeneron seem likely to add to the excitement about drugs called monoclonal antibodies as treatments for Covid-19, but experts caution more data will be needed to know how potentially beneficial the medicines are. In a notable finding, the data seem to show that theContinue Reading
Scripps Research created an animated look at the immune response to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Learn how scientists are studying the antibodies produced by people exposed to SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies could be used to create treatments or vaccines for the virus.
Most convalescent plasma thus far has been to treat people with active and serious COVID-19 infections. This UCLA clinical trial focuses on the use of convalescent plasma in individuals exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient. The goal of the study is to determine whether post-exposure treatment with convalescent plasma isContinue Reading
Eli Lilly has linked its anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody to a lower rate of hospitalization in patients recently diagnosed with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. In June, the company began a trial delivering either placebo or an antibody, called LY-CoV555, to 452 patients. These were patients with mild or moderate symptoms who hadContinue Reading
Despite a lack of scientific studies on its efficacy for Covid-19, interest in the treatment has surged alongside case numbers. The demand for convalescent plasma continues to rise and blood collection organizations are struggling to keep up. One way they have increased the supply of appropriate plasma is to testContinue Reading
Kaiser Health news clarifies the current situation about convalescent plasma. The treatment has been re-approved for emergency use by the FDA. However, the way in which it was re-approved has been controversial. The main concern from experts about the clinical trials of this treatment is that they do not useContinue Reading
Despite the wave of criticism that has followed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency approval of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 patients, infectious disease experts say the therapy remains promising. Medical Express interviewed physicians running trials studying convalescent plasma treatments in the United States. I cannot think of oneContinue Reading
AstraZeneca is starting Phase 1 trials of a potential antibody treatment for the coronavirus. Dr. Dyan Hes joins CBSN to discuss that, plus the FDA’s controversial move to approve emergency use of convalescent plasma. AstraZeneca’s trial is for its two-antibody cocktail against COVID-19. The 48-subject trial is set to deliverContinue Reading
Despite calls for more rigorous clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration has granted an emergency authorization for the therapy. The US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency-use authorization on August 23 to treat COVID-19 with convalescent plasma. This makes it easier for hospitals to offer the treatment toContinue Reading
Eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., it remains unclear whether two of the most promising treatments actually work. With a vaccine not expected until 2021, there’s an urgent need for effective therapeutics for COVID-19. NBC reports on the delays and problems faced in running clinical trials forContinue Reading
