Scientists trial new drug which could provide instant immunity against Covid 19

Scientists are trialling a new drug which could provide immunity against Covid 19 instantly.

The drug, which could give immediate protection to people exposed to coronavirus, may even be available by March.

Experts at the University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH) are currently looking at an antibody which could provide long-term protection to patients when it is too late to offer a vaccine.

The trial, which has been dubbed Storm Chaser, could save thousands of life.

The antibody could be given as treatment to care home residents, hospital patients and students in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

Dr Catherine Houlihan, a virologist at University College London Hospitals NHS trust (UCLH), said: “If we can prove that this treatment works and prevent people who are exposed to the virus going on to develop Covid-19, it would be an exciting addition to the arsenal of weapons being developed to fight this dreadful virus.”

Researchers in the study have already recruited its first participants.

They believe the antibody - known as AZD7442 and developed by AstraZeneca - may offer immediate protection to people who have recently been exposed to the bug.

The scientists are hoping the trial will show long term protection of coronavirus for between six and 12 months.

Dr Houlihan added: “We know that this antibody combination can neutralise the virus.

"So we hope to find that giving this treatment via injection can lead to immediate protection against the development of Covid-19 in people who have been exposed – when it would be too late to offer a vaccine.”

If successful, the antibody treatment could help reduce the coronavirus's impact until everyone in the UK is immunised, the Guardian reports.

The scientist said: "The advantage of this medicine is that it gives you immediate antibodies

Ten people have so far been injected with the antibody drug at a new vaccine research centre, after the study entered phase three trials on December 2.

The aim is to trial the new treatment on 1,125 people worldwide, with key groups being healthcare workers, students who live in shared accommodation and patients who have been recently exposed to anyone with Covid-19.

It's also targeted at people in long-term care, the military and industry staff such as factory workers.

Mene Pangalos, AstraZeneca executive vice president, said the antibody "has the potential to be an important preventative and therapeutic medicine against Covid-19, focusing on the most vulnerable patients".

AstraZeneca is currently awaiting approval of a vaccine with Oxford University from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Follow the Official Rokna NEWS Telegram Channel For More and fresh NEWS.

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