Gamechanger with COVID-19 New Drug – The End in Sight?

My research over the past couple of days has been amazing, even to me. A new flash yesterday told the world that there is a drug that can neutralize the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19.

Current Research Discovery

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine isolated an antibody that destroys SARS-CoV-2 (https://bit.ly/2ZFXqF6). The antibody, named Ab8, is roughly ten times smaller than most antibodies which enhances its ability to destroy viruses. The journal Cell, states that Ab8 is highly effective in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice and hamsters.

This antibody-drug does not bind to human cells and suggests minimal to no side effects. That would be a first regarding drugs – no side effects! Presently, the drug can be administered by inhaling or injection – no IV needed.

Supporting Research

Both the University of Texas Medical Branch Center for Biodefense and Emerging Diseases and the Galveston National Laboratory tested this antibody and found it prevented the virus from entering cells – a true preventive medicine. The University of British Columbia and the University of Saskatchewan are also involved in the testing (https://bit.ly/2FvDXQs).

Genesis of Antibody Treatment

The coronavirus became a worldwide problem in 2003 the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The first known outbreak was in Foshan, Guangdong, China in late 2002.
The University of Pittsburgh Center for Antibody Therapeutics discovered the ability of antibodies to neutralize the coronavirus. Further research led to developing antibody-drugs to treat MERS-CoV, dengue, Hendra, and Nipah viruses. The last two virus antibody-drugs have been approved for human clinical treatments in Australia.

Current research has sought to use human plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. It has been unsuccessful to date. When the research left the human plasma option and concentrated on other antibody candidates, the results were rapid with several potential contenders in addition to Ab8.

Further Development

It is not the antibody per se that does its magic with SARS-CoV-2, but the construction of a drug that fits like a glove in relation to the COVID-19 virus and prevents it from attaching to the ACE2 receptors in the human body.

Antibodies have been used for years to treat other diseases. However, these other antibodies have been huge compared to the small size of the Ab8 molecule. The size of the molecule makes it effective. (https://bit.ly/3miYkku).

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has backed Abound Bio to license Ab8 for distribution worldwide.

Conclusion

Many irons in the fire tend to yield results faster. There are existing drugs that might work to treat COVID-19 patients, and several are undergoing clinical trials. Vaccines are being developed by at least nine different companies.

The 1918-1920 Spanish Flu had exponentially more deaths than COVID-19 and was without drugs or vaccines. Common sense approaches including social distancing, face masks, frequent handwashing, etc. kept the disease at bay for two years. It disappeared on its own and has not been seen since.

Take your personal responsibility serious – like your life depends on it.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com