We could soon have another way to stop the coronavirus from spreading: man made synthetic antibodies, specifically designed to prevent lung cells from ever getting infected in the first place.
According to Futurity:
“Scientists working to develop drugs against COVID-19 are focused on interrupting its interaction with ACE2, an enzyme the spike protein on the surface of the coronavirus latches onto, like a key, to enter and infect healthy cells.
The synthetic protein, MDR504, effectively blocked the SARS-COV-2 virus from attaching to ACE2 in cell cultures, according to the early research.
‘Unlike other agents in development against the virus, this protein is engineered to go to the lungs to neutralize the virus before it can infect lung cells,’ says lead author Jay Kolls, chair in internal medicine at Tulane University’s School of Medicine.”
The article adds that, “In addition to a treatment, the drug could be used as a pre- or post-exposure therapy for healthcare workers, first responders and vulnerable populations at highest risk. It also could be used to prevent infection in patients with underlying illness who couldn’t receive a vaccine.”
There’s just one problem: it may need to be injected every two to four weeks to work. Not ideal obviously but still better than nothing. Especially if it’s going to be a while before we have a full-fledged vaccine.
Are synthetic antibodies the Greatest Idea Ever?
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