Commercial steps in: Companies are also taking note of the potential of plasma.
Adam Schechter, CEO of the testing firm LabCorp, said at the Red Cross round table that his company will offer free antibody testing through doctors’ offices to increase blood plasma donations. “LabCorp is currently working with public health authorities and the provider community on the details of the three-month program and will provide additional information in the near future,” the company said in a statement.
Paul Perreault, CEO of CSL Limited, said that his company and the NIH are designing A clinical trial to evaluate a treatment known as hyperimmune globulin, which is derived from convalescent plasma. The company is enrolling patients in the trial next month. If it shows that the treatment is effective, CSL could file an application with the FDA later this year, Perreault said.
Whats Next: Hahn said the agency is reviewing the data behind the effectiveness of convalescent plasma. Clinical trials are ongoing and an emergency authorization from the FDA to expand plasma use may be forthcoming.
