A thread on the recent #NEJM paper discussing compassionate-use of #remdesivir in #COVID19. No control group, no data on viral loads (for an antiviral drug), no measurements of efficacy other than clinical improvement based on oxygen requirements. (1/8) At first glance, the improvement rate of 68% juxtaposed with 57% of patients on mechanical ventilation is impressive. However, randomized controlled data is necessary to validate that this is significantly different from standard of care. (2/8)

A thread on antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in #coronaviruses. While developing vaccines, treating patients with convalescent plasma, and considering immunity passports, we must first understand the complex role of antibodies in #SARS, #MERS and #COVID19. (1/13) Rabbits infected with MERS develop antibody responses but are not protected upon rechallenge and worsened pulmonary pathology observed. Passive transfer of infected rabbit serum to naïve rabbits not protective and enhances lung inflammation. (2/13) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…