Antibody Cocktail:  Regen-Cov, the antibody “cocktail,” made by Regeneron, is making big news with its effective performance against Covid-19. Thus, Regeneron has created an antibody-drug that could be the “silver bullet” for Covid-19.  It has been very effective in preventing or mitigating the COVID-19 virus.

This drug commanded huge attention this week. After you read about this remarkable study below, please read a second important story from this week, our Special Alert for Asthma Sufferers.

 

Regen-Cov Seeks to Expand its Usage

The Antibody Cocktail Promises Greater Safety From COVID-19 In The Near Future.

Companies Like Regeneron Have Consistently Been On The Cutting Edge of Developing New Therapeutics.

Regen-Cov, the antibody cocktail created by Regeneron is termed a cocktail because it is a combination of two drug therapies, Casirivimab and Imdevimab. It is important to know they must be administered together. Readers who want more information than we can give here can refer to this reliable factsheet from Regeneron. (regeneron.com) In a recent study released by Reuters, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc announced some very impressive results from late-stage studies of its antibody cocktail, Regen-Cov:

Amazing Regeneron Research Study on Regen-Cov

So far, the research study analyzed 400 participants in the trial. All of them had a household member with COVID-19.  At the present time, doctors prescribe Regen-Cov under the condition of emergency use authorization. (EUA)

Last November, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November granted EUA to the antibody cocktail for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children.” After current trials, Regeneron hopes to expand the use of the medication.

 

What is a Passive Vaccine?

Regen-Cov is a Drug Made By Combining to Monoclonal Antibodies:  Casirivimab and Imdevimab.

The Regeneron researchers hope to improve the status of Regen-Cov so they can put it to work as a passive vaccine.

  1. A passive vaccine means it delivers virus-fighting antibodies directly into the body.
  2. Classic vaccines stop short of that. They simply activate the body’s immune system to create its own antibodies. The above-mentioned research study is aimed at the possibility that the drug could “provide immediate passive immunity to those at high risk of infection…”  Active vaccines require weeks to create such protection.

A Double-Pronged Approach from the Regeneron Antibody Cocktail

As you can see by our above data, the test results suggest Regen-Cov could attack the virus in two ways:

  1. It might “reduce the transmission of the virus…”
  2. And at the same time, the antibody cocktail could “reduce viral and disease burden in those who still get infected.”  This pronouncement was made by George Yancopoulos, president and chief scientific officer of Regeneron.
  3. He added that he also believes Regen-Cov will “help people who respond poorly to vaccination.”

Current Drug Trial:  Positive Conclusions for Regen-Cov Studies

Regeneron is conducting the trial in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Ironically, during the study, researchers reported one death and a COVID-19 related hospitalization.

But those incidents happened among those who participated in the placebo group. The Regen-Cov treatment group recorded neither death nor hospitalization.

 

Antibody Cocktail:  More Good News about Regen-Cov

The Best Antibody Cocktail You Ever Have.

A Passive Vaccine Both Protects You From the Disease and Treats It If You Already Have It.

Studies of Regen-Cov continue with more challenges for the cocktail. Two of them test the medication on late-stage hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Likewise, one study researches the drug’s efficacy on late-stage, non-hospitalized patients. This week, FLASS learned that the combo of antibodies “appears to hold up against the U.K. and South African variants.” That is big news.  We are very encouraged although it is too soon to know about its effectiveness against the new Brazilian variant.

 

Independent Confirmation of Antibody Cocktail

Researchers at Columbia University and Regeneron scientists each independently confirmed in tests the antibodies’ success in neutralizing both variants.

The data is still preliminary and under peer review. However, it could signal a useful tool as new mutations of the virus emerge.

Regeneron’s antibodies have not been tested against the Brazilian viral variant, yet. However, the company said the confidence is high that the cocktail will remain “similarly potent.”

FLASS is excited to hear of these new studies and results.  And part of the reason we create blogs is to educate you about new research in curing or containing all types of respiratory diseases. We will keep you apprised of the newest studies of our continued search for weapons to defeat the current coronavirus crisis.

 

On Another Covid-19 Related Topic:   Special Alert for Asthma Patients and Masks

FLASS agrees with experts that masks and social distancing are necessary to help avoid the risks of COVID-19.  However, we believe a word of caution is in order.  One of the latest trends is to wear 2 masks.  However, the idea of two masks is not necessarily good for asthma sufferers. Many medical professionals have been warning asthma patients that they could be depriving themselves of oxygen. In short, good clean air. This means they are exposing themselves to hypoxia.

  • Most of you are probably aware that the term hypoxia refers to insufficient oxygen.
  • If you are not aware, Hypoxia is a condition that deprives the body of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level. Remember, Asthma patients need all the oxygen they can get.

Asthma Patients: Wear Mask That Conforms to Your Physician’s Advice.

In short, mask-wearing is necessary, even for asthma patients, when COVID-19 is a risk.  However, FLASS advises that asthma sufferers should consult with their physician before wearing two masks.  It could be double-trouble.

Likewise, you should choose a close-fitting mask, wear it properly, and try not to touch it after you place it on your face.

Once again, FLASS brings you research news as well as patient care tips. FLASS reminds you to stay safe, and breathe. And once again, we thank you for reading our blog.