Oct 13, 2021 13:00:00

An antibody against a new type of coronavirus that has a long-lasting effect is discovered, and it is bright for measures against corona in immunocompromised patients.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has succeeded in identifying antibodies to the new coronavirus that will remain in the body for 4 to 6 months. With the advent of this antibody, it is expected that effective countermeasures against new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in immunocompromised people will be possible.

A highly potent antibody effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: Cell Reports
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(21)01278-X

Scientists discover a highly potent antibody against SARS-CoV-2 --EPFL
https://actu.epfl.ch/news/scientists-discover-a-highly-potent-antibody-again/

New coronavirus vaccines are being inoculated all over the world, but these vaccines are aimed at enabling the body to produce antibodies against the virus, and are immune responses from cancer patients and organ transplant recipients. There is a problem that people with abnormalities cannot produce antibodies even if they are vaccinated and cannot expect a preventive effect against the virus. In addition, even if the antibody is directly inoculated, a long-term preventive effect cannot be expected because a general antibody can exist in the body for only 3 to 4 weeks.

The new coronavirus neutralizing antibody ' P5C3 ' discovered by the EPFL research team can continue to exist in the body for 4 to 6 months. EPFL states, 'By inoculating the antibody discovered this time two or three times a year, even people with an abnormal immune response can effectively prevent COVID-19.'

In addition, the antibody discovered this time is designed to effectively neutralize the 'concerned mutant strain' of the new coronavirus including the delta strain. 'The new antibody we've discovered represents a major step forward in the fight against COVID-19, opening the door to enhanced treatment and precautions, especially for patients with weakened immune systems.' And the effect of the antibody is appealing. On the other hand, he said, 'This antibody is not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is the most effective way to prevent infection,' and recommends vaccination for people with no abnormal immune response. ..

EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital are working with a pharmaceutical company to develop an antibody-containing drug, with clinical trials scheduled to begin in late 2022.