A plasma shot could prevent coronavirus. But feds and makers won't act, scientists say

[octoberlib]

It might be the next best thing to a coronavirus vaccine. Scientists have devised a way to use the antibody-rich blood plasma of COVID-19 survivors for an upper-arm injection that they say could inoculate people against the virus for months.

Using technology that’s been proven effective in preventing other diseases such as hepatitis A, the injections would be administered to high-risk healthcare workers, nursing home patients, or even at public drive-through sites — potentially protecting millions of lives, the doctors and other experts say.

The two scientists who spearheaded the proposal — an 83-year-old shingles researcher and his counterpart, an HIV gene therapy expert — have garnered widespread support from leading blood and immunology specialists, including those at the center of the nation’s COVID-19 plasma research.


But the idea exists only on paper. Federal officials have twice rejected requests to discuss the proposal, and pharmaceutical companies — even acknowledging the likely efficacy of the plan — have declined to design or manufacture the shots, according to a Times investigation. The lack of interest in launching development of immunity shots comes amid heightened scrutiny of the federal government’s sluggish pandemic response. There is little disagreement that the idea holds promise; the dispute is over the timing. Federal health officials and industry groups say the development of plasma-based therapies should focus on treating people who are already sick, not on preventing infections in those who are still healthy.

https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-07-10/injection-prevent-coronavirus-feds-manufacturers-fail-to-act

[Chainfire]

1. Too many ifs, ands and buts

I would try it after it has proven safe and effective on several million of you for a year or so.

I never thought that I would feel this way, but at this point, I do not trust that the the current government would not provide us with a placebo to keep us working and let the corpses fall where they fall.

[soothsayer]

2. Right, since antibodies get out of control with this disease

And drown you in your own lungs, clot your blood until it can’t flow, and godnoze whatever other cyklotine storm havoc is wreaked.... I’m not so sure about this.

[MrsMatt]

3. FWIW, I've seen speculation on twitter

that Trump has been getting this treatment (explanation as to why he's doesn't wear masks).

It's twitter, after all.

[hlthe2b]

4. Bullshit. It is effective POST EXPOSURE SHORT TERM. We use Hepatitis A VACCINE pre-exposure

not hyperimmune globulin. There are hyperimmune globulins for a lot of purposes, including a component of post-exposure rabies treatment/prophylaxis, infants exposed to varicella from the mother post-delivery, or measles, mumps, or rubella in infants too young to be vaccinated. In adults, it has been used in Africa to treat those exposed to Ebola with some effect.

The issue here is short term protection POST Exposure. Could it be used to prevent illness in those most at risk of dying from COVID-19, yet already exposed? Yes. But months later, these individuals will be every bit as susceptible to infection and horrendous outcomes, yet quite possibly with an "incited" immune system that could preclude repeat use.

I agree totally with this statement:" Federal health officials and industry groups say the development of plasma-based therapies should focus on treating people who are already sick, not on preventing infections in those who are still healthy. ". They are absolutely RIGHT!