A vaccine for the coronavirus is still months away, but a different type of drug — called monoclonal antibodies — may be reason for optimism, at least among scientists.
Antibodies have been used in medicine as far back as the 1890s, when they were demonstrated to cure diphtheria, a deadly bacterial infection. This was before widespread use of antibiotics or a vaccine for diphtheria.
Diphtheria antibodies were even transported 674 miles by dogsled to Nome, Alaska, in 1925 to stop an epidemic of the disease that had killed at least five children. That daring medical response is commemorated annually with theGunnar Kaasen poses with the dog team which he drove through a blinding blizzard to Nome, Alaska, to deliver a diphtheria serum in 1925.Scientists hope that COVID-19 will soon be on that list, thanks to two potential applications.
The first is convalescent plasma, an antibody-rich blood product from people who have recovered from COVID-19. Donated plasma is infused into patients to give an immediate boost to their immune system. There isBut convalescent plasma relies on the altruism of blood donors, and blood donations cannot meet the demands of a pandemic. As of Friday afternoon, the U.S. had reported nearly"We need drugs that prevent hospitalization," Dr.
Monoclonal antibodies are made in a laboratory, designed to mimic the natural antibodies found in the body. "Monoclonals are a refinement" of the convalescent plasma process, Gronvall said,"mass producing it as a purified form."
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Florida Closes COVID-19 Response Center Following Its Own COVID OutbreakFlorida's pandemic response center temporarily closed its physical operation on Thursday after 13 staffers reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus
Read more »
3 steps leaders should take to better manage a team during COVID-19 - Business InsiderBusiness Insider is a fast-growing business site with deep financial, media, tech, and other industry verticals. Launched in 2007, the site is now the largest business news site on the web.
Read more »
Australia suffers 'disturbing' COVID-19 surge, state curbs wedding partiesAustralia's Victoria state reported a record daily increase in COVID-19 cases on Friday while neighbouring New South Wales said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings as authorities struggle to contain a new wave of infections.
Read more »
Physical distancing measures could reduce new Covid-19 cases by 13%The use of a physical distancing measure was associated with an overall reduction in Covid-19 incidence of 13% over the study period, on average, researchers found. Restriction on mass gatherings, along with school and workplace closure, appeared to be key
Read more »
As Australian COVID-19 cases surge, state bans 'dancing, mingling' at weddingsAustralia's Victoria state on Friday reported a record daily increase in COVID-19 cases while neighbouring New South Wales said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings as authorities struggle to contain a new wave of infections.
Read more »