- NEW MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY IN COVID BY : DR. ANKITA SHARMA
According to Dr. Ankita Sharma, the body’s immune system generates antibodies as a defense mechanism against unfamiliar molecules. The scientific term for such unfamiliar molecules is antigens. Molecules from bacteria and viruses can act as antigens, prompting the production of antibodies.
Antibodies bind to antigens. This tells specialized cells of the immune system to kill the invading pathogen.
Treating COVID with Monoclonal Antibodies
Dr. Ankita Sharma told that now available in India, Casirivimab and Indevimab are monoclonal antibodies that are specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells.
It is a cutting-edge treatment that provides protection to COVID-19 positive patients with mild or moderate symptoms before they deteriorate further or require hospitalization. This single dose infusion-based treatment can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously on an outpatient basis in the hospital. Following the antibody infusion, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours to monitor for any side-effects after which the patient can return home to quarantine and must continue to strictly follow COVID-19 isolation protocols.
Who is Eligible for Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?
The monoclonal antibody therapy is most suited for high-risk COVID-19 patients who are within first ten days of symptom onset and meet any of the following criteria as told by Dr. Ankita Sharma :
Age 65 years or older
Obesity with BMI>35
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
Chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis
Chronic liver disease
Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
Age>55 having either heart disease, or hypertension, or chronic lung disease
High risk patients between the 12 – 17 years of age may also be eligible if they have any of the following conditions:
BMI ≥85th percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts
Sickle cell disease, or congenital or acquired heart disease
Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy)
Medical-related technological dependence, for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation (not related to COVID-19), asthma, reactive airway or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control
Are There Instances When Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is not Recommended?
The therapy is not recommended in patients who:
Are hospitalized due to severe COVID-19, or
Require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19, or
Require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19 in those on chronic oxygen therapy due to underlying non-COVID-19 related comorbidity.
Stay safe and healthy life 🧬
