European scientists close to coronavirus antibody treatment breakthrough

(Karachi) Scientists from the UK and Sweden, who have been efforting to develop coronavirus vaccine, are reportedly close to a breakthrough on an antibody treatment for COVID-19 that could prove a lifesaver for those who become infected by the virus.

The British-Swedish drug-manufacturing giant AstraZeneca is developing the treatment, which may initially be used to treat elderly and vulnerable patients.

Antibody injections instantly arm the body with the ability to neutralize the virus, and the treatment could be a game-changer for those in the early stages of infection.

This is very welcome news.https://t.co/0FO3Xl3Wp9

— Mike Holden (@MikeHolden42) June 8, 2020

AstraZaneca’s Head Pascal Soriot said, "The treatment being developed is a combination of two antibodies, because by having both you reduce the chance of resistance developing to one antibody."

Antibody therapy is more expensive than vaccine production, however, with Soriot saying the former would be prioritized for the elderly and vulnerable, “who may not be able to develop a good response to a vaccine.”

The treatment is now being tested at “full speed,” and executives are hopeful that it will go into full production next year.

Earlier, speaking during a programme, Pascal Soriot said the firm is starting production of a potential coronavirus vaccine in a bid to meet demand if the drug proves effective.

He added, “We are starting to manufacture this vaccine right now.”He said the firm would know by August whether the vaccine works or not.

He mentioned that trials of the drug are under way and it needs to to be ready for use by the time the company gets results.