British scientists have started testing a new drug that claims to give Covid-19 instant immunity and could save many lives by being administered as an emergency treatment for those exposed to the coronavirus.
“The advantage of this medication is that it provides immediate antibodies,” while coronavirus vaccines take about a month to take effect, Dr. Catherine Houlihan, a virologist at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH), told the Guardian.
Antibody therapy, which UCLH developed together with AstraZeneca – the British vaccine manufacturer not yet approved against Covid-19 – could become “An exciting addition to the arsenal of weapons that is being developed to combat this terrible virus,” Houlihan said.
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It can be used in homes where someone has contracted the coronavirus, as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, universities and other places to help contain major outbreaks, while vaccination is underway worldwide.
Scientists believe the drug, which is based on AstraZeneca’s long-acting AZD7442 antibody combination, should be effective if offered to someone exposed to Covid-19 in the previous eight days. The immediate protection provided by the drug should last from six months to a year.
Testing of the therapy – which now seems almost too good to be true with the blockages in place and new strains of the virus making headlines – began in early December at UCLH, a few other UK hospitals and at around a hundred locations in the UK. outside. If it proves its effectiveness during testing and receives the green light from the British medical regulator, the drug may be available as early as March or April.
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