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Scientists from the United Kingdom and the United States andThey are in the final phase of testing a drug that can give instant immunity to coronavirus.thus preventing a person who has had recent contact with someone infected from developing the disease. The drug, created by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and called AZD7442, is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, made in the laboratory from antibodies from people who have recovered from Covid-19. Check out what is already known about the drug that brings hope against Covid-19:
For whom should the medicine be indicated?
The main idea is to evaluate the action of the drug in people who have had recent exposure to the virus, but have not yet developed symptoms. The drug would prevent the disease from manifesting itself by fighting the viral action from the beginning, acting as a post-exposure prophylaxis. According to a report by the British newspaper The Guardian, the antibodies in the tests are being administered in two doses and could be used up to eight days after exposure to the virus. Another research protocol of the pharmaceutical company aims to test the drug in people who have not yet had contact with the virus, so that its preventive action can be investigated.
How does the medicine work in the body?
In both cases, the drug targets the spike protein of the virus, responsible for its entry into the human cell. “The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contains the RBD (receptor-binding domain) of the virus, which allows the virus to bind to receptors on human cells. By targeting this region of the spike protein of the virus, antibodies can connect the virus to human cells and, therefore, are expected to block the infection ”, explains the pharmacist in the study protocols registered on the website Clinicaltrials.gov, a clinical research platform of the US government.
How long could the medication give immunity?
The drug is in phase 3 of clinical trials, but previous research steps have shown that The immunity conferred by the drug would not be permanent. – would last six to 12 months, according to AstraZeneca. Also in accordance with research protocols, phase 3 of the trials (the last before the drug was registered) began in November (for people with no previous exposure) and December (for patients who were exposed to the pathogen). Together, the two studies involve around 6,000 volunteers.
When will the drug be available on the market?
UK scientists have told The Guardian that they believe the drug may be commercially available between March and April 2021 if it shows its efficacy and safety in clinical trials.
