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Researchers at Laussane University hospital discover a highly effective antibody against SARS-CoV-2

 

A newly discovered antibody was isolated from the lymphocytes of patients with COVID-19. These patients were enrolled in a research study conducted by Laussane University Hospital. This antibody has been found to be very powerful in fighting against SARS-CoV-2. After performing structural analysis of the antibody, the researchers found that it does not associate itself with mutations of the spiked protein.

The cells expressing the ACE2 receptor are prevented from binding to the spike protein by the newly discovered antibody. The COVID-19 virus uses the spike protein to enter the body and infect the cells of the lungs. This implies that the antibody fights against the replication of the virus, helping immune cells in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 from the human body.

In vivo tests confirmed the antiviral properties of the antibody, which was administered into some specimens that had contracted a high infection of the virus. This antibody offers a lasting effect of protection against coronavirus infection. In general, a conventional antibody can provide protection against infection for about 3-4 weeks.

But this antibody offers protection for about 4-6 months, making it an attractive treatment that prevents infection in unvaccinated people or in vaccinated people with compromised immunity. These patients, cancer patients, or those who have undergone organ transplantation in these times should receive at least two to three doses of antibody injections in a year. The clinical trial of the drug containing this new antibody would begin in the latter half of the year 2022.

In Europe, a lot of efforts have been made in drug discovery, especially in times of COVID-19 pandemic. This newly discovered antibody can be very effective in fighting COVID-19 infection. This new form of treatment should be made available in the form of a drug, enhancing protection of patients with weak immune systems. However, it may be noted that the antibody cannot be replacement to COVID-19 vaccines, which are still most effective in controlling the pandemic.

 

 

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Pfizer signs a cooperation deal with Gilead for remdesivir, a COVID 19 medication

 

Pfizer signed a cooperation deal with Gilead Sciences to produce and supply remdesivir, a promising drug used to treat COVID-19. According to this agreement, Pfizer shall provide production services at its McPherson, Kansas factory in the US. The company would be manufacturing and supplying the drug remdesivir for Gilead.

After signing the cooperation agreement, Pfizer became a promising company in the fight against COVID-19. The deal is aligned with the “innovation ecosystem” that commits to fight a battle against COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement has brought about a fruitful collaboration between small biotech companies and large pharmaceutical companies. Many government agencies associated with academia would be benefitted from this cooperation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a real menace, and a single company cannot really bring about an innovation and put an end to the COVID-19 menace. The deal between Pfizer and Gilead would be good enough to bring about an innovative ecosystem, which will deliver effective medical solutions. Both companies would be working together to manufacture vaccines, sterile injections, and biologics.