First read out from a neutralizing antibody clinical trial. A step in the right direction for this class of drugs that could be used in many ways vs #COVID19.
Why is this important?
1. This is the 1st clinical trial of a drug specifically designed for #SARSCoV2. All previous trials were repurposed drugs (HCQ, dexamethasone, Remdesivir, etc). Safety data are encouraging
2. The class of drugs has the potential to be used as a prevention in high-risk individuals, and intervention in mild to moderate covid (as in the current trial) or severe, subcritical. The data from non-human primates supports this multi-pronged use.
3. The issues of difficulty in producing the antibodies at scale and their likely high cost are barriers to keep in mind, beyond the fact that real proof of efficacy has yet to be established.
4. Nonetheless, before having a safe and effective vaccine, mAbs represent our best near term shot of a potent therapy. They haven't attracted as much attention as vaccines, since they represent a bridge, not a definitive exit strategy. These days all positive news is welcome.
At @ScienceMagazine, @meredithwadman delves into this trial result further
sciencemag.org/news/2020/09/e…
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