Scientists are testing an antibody treatment for Covid sufferers, which could prevent someone exposed to the virus from becoming ill in a life-saving advance.
Researchers at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) are studying the possibility that treatment with antibodies, developed by AstraZeneca, could confer immunity on those in need.
The therapy, part of the Storm Chaser project, could then be used to prevent others from developing Covid-19 symptoms when a person in a household falls ill.
At the same time, a second trial by UCLH called Provent will see if the treatment can be used on people with weak immune systems who are at high risk for the virus.
NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: “NHS’s continued contribution to pioneering global efforts to combat Covid-19 is remarkable.
“These two clinical trials are an important addition to test new therapeutic approaches, as antibody treatments can offer an alternative for groups of patients who cannot benefit from a vaccine, such as immunocompromised patients.
Researchers have so far injected 10 people as part of the Storm Chaser into their new vaccine research center after the study entered phase three of testing on December 2, with the aim of testing the new treatment on 1,125 people worldwide , including healthcare professionals, students in shared accommodation and recently exposed patients.
Those in long-term care, the military and workers, including factory workers, are also expected to participate in the trial.
UCLH virologist Dr. Catherine Houlihan, who is leading the Storm Chaser study, said: “We know that this combination of antibodies can neutralize the virus, so we hope to find that giving this treatment by injection can lead to immediate protection against development Covid- 19 in people who were exposed – when it would be too late to offer a vaccine. “
In the meantime, the Provent study will look at recruiting older people and those in long-term care, as well as people with diseases like cancer and HIV.
UCLH infectious disease consultant Dr Nicky Longley, who heads the university part of Provent, said: “We want to reassure anyone for whom a vaccine might not work that we can offer an equally protective alternative.”
Additional reporting by agencies