Nearly two years after the COVID-19 outbreak, China has granted approval to its first antibody combination treatment for COVID-19.
A team from Brii Biosciences, Tsinghua University, and the People's Hospital of Shenzhen has accomplished the task in 20 months. It would usually takes 10 years. "It can reduce the rate of hospitalization and death by 80 percent," said Zhang Linqi, leader of the research team.
The new antibody drug is immediately effective when conducted intravenously (静脉注射). Moreover, the treatment can protect people, especially those whose physical condition doesn't allow vaccination, from becoming infected by COVID-19 for around nine to 12 months, said Zhang. How does it work? When a virus infects a cell, it relies on an important type of protein: the spike proteins on its surface. The spike proteins serve as a key to unlocking a cell. If a virus cannot enter a cell, it will be destroyed immediately. The job of our antibodies is to block the virus from entering cells. So its target is very precise. In addition, thanks to the coordination between the two antibodies, it is highly efficient and durable in controlling the virus, according to Zhang.
Lab tests suggest that the antibody combination can be effective against common COVID-19 variants, including the Alpha, Beta, Delta, Lambda and Mu. Testing with the newer Omicron strain is ongoing. The qualities of the new drug make it especially useful for high-risk groups, such as frontline medical workers and people who are not suitable for vaccination due to various possible health problems.
The new drug is expected to come to the market soon, but it's not cheap. That's because of limited production. Also, it typically must be administered intravenously in a hospital setting.
Noting that China has used science and technology to fight COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak, Zhang said: "Science is the core to solving the issue. Science has shown its power in all sectors, from medical treatment, medicine and vaccine development to prevention and control measures. "
