India is fighting back strongly against the second wave of COVID-19. As a result, the first patient to get monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment came back home from the hospital on Wednesday. The 84-year-old man suffering from multiple comorbidities was discharged one day after getting the jab at Medanta Hospital.
What is the monoclonal antibody cocktail?
Monoclonal antibodies cocktail therapy is a combination of two antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that our body generates to fight against any disease. The monoclonal antibodies cocktails are highly specific. As a result, It fights only one particular disease.
Who should take an antibody cocktail?
The antibody cocktail is administered for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms in adults.
The therapy is most suited for high-risk COVID-19 patients and also must be administered within 48-72 hours of patient testing positive for COVID-19, if not sooner. – Dr. Naresh Trehan
They are extensively used in Europe and the US. Several studies have shown that 70 to 80 percent of patients will not require hospitalization if given within the first seven days of infection. Earlier in February, the US allowed the emergency use of Etesevimab and Bamlanivimab together for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
How does it work?
Switzerland-based Roche, in India, is producing Casirivimab and Imdevimab. They are both tailor-made to work against SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein. They can block the virus’s ability to attach and enter human cells. It helps the body’s resistance to improve and work against coronavirus.
What are the experts saying?
Finally, monoclonal antibodies cocktail to treat COVID-19 patients is available in the market, and the first patient to get it is an 84-year-old gentleman with COVID-19. Let’s hope it helps cure more patients with COVID-19. tweeted Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav.
The virus multiplication lowers and reduces severity in people who are at high risk.
The combination of two injections Casirivimab and Imdevimab blocks the virus from entering the cells.
It is working against COVID-19 and also effective against the B.1.617 variant. This is a new weapon,” said the chairman of Medanta Hospital.
How to get the monoclonal antibody cocktail in India?
Pharmaceutical companies Cipla and Roche have launched a monoclonal antibody cocktail. It is for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 paitents. At present, each dose costs Rs. 59,000. Likewise a multi-dose pack that can treat two patients costs Rs. 1.19 lakh .