Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Latest Breaking News

Showing Original Post only (View all)

Kid Berwyn

(14,909 posts)
Tue Sep 15, 2020, 09:59 AM Sep 2020

University Of Pittsburgh Scientists Discover Biomolecule That May Neutralize Coronavirus [View all]

Source: CBS News

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — University of Pittsburgh scientists have isolated a biomolecule that “completely and specifically” neutralizes the virus that causes coronavirus.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a report published Monday in the journal Cell. The antibody component is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody and has been used to create a drug known as Ab8 for use as a therapeutic and preventative against SARS-CoV-2, the report says.

The researchers reported that Ab8 is “highly effective” in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice and hamsters.

“Ab8 not only has potential as therapy for COVID-19, but it also could be used to keep people from getting SARS-CoV-2 infections,” said co-author John Mellors, M.D., chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UPMC and Pitt, said in a release from UPMC. “Antibodies of larger size have worked against other infectious diseases and have been well tolerated, giving us hope that it could be an effective treatment for patients with COVID-19 and for protection of those who have never had the infection and are not immune.”


Read more: https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/09/15/coronavirus-university-pittsburgh-biomolecule-neutralize/



Ray of sunshine...
25 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Hey, neat! soothsayer Sep 2020 #1
That sounds exciting. cyndensco Sep 2020 #2
Great news, some new hope K&R Guilded Lilly Sep 2020 #3
Cool. First Polio, Now maybe COVID. #PittsburghStrong Tommymac Sep 2020 #4
Like 👆👆👆. nt iluvtennis Sep 2020 #6
Amen, my fellow yinzer! Bluetail Sep 2020 #11
They're also in process of testing a vaccine DeminPennswoods Sep 2020 #21
My Alma Mater... Freedomofspeech Sep 2020 #23
But trump and republicans duforsure Sep 2020 #5
Trump needs COVID to keep Democrats away from the polls DSandra Sep 2020 #8
They have to stop reporting this stuff matt819 Sep 2020 #7
I think every breakthrough should be reported. Lonestarblue Sep 2020 #13
What does it do to our cells? Friendly bugs? Warpy Sep 2020 #9
UPMC reports it does not bind to human cells. Kid Berwyn Sep 2020 #17
It's still a long slog from in vitro to in vivo. Warpy Sep 2020 #18
Great news but ... BlueWavePsych Sep 2020 #10
Exactly! BlueIdaho Sep 2020 #14
A realistic Timeframe would be both informative and provide some context to the inevitable NoMoreRepugs Sep 2020 #16
But my neighbor has a hamster. It is exciting for them. olddad65 Sep 2020 #25
DAMN! Isn't it AMAZING what we can do with freakin' SCIENCE??!? lastlib Sep 2020 #12
Hopeful. calimary Sep 2020 #15
Biomolecule--does that mean it's a naturally occuring substance? MissMillie Sep 2020 #19
great another unaffordable anitviral noneof_theabove Sep 2020 #20
FTR, Pitt also has developed a vaccine candidate DeminPennswoods Sep 2020 #22
Finally - a piece of good news. Vinca Sep 2020 #24
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»University Of Pittsburgh ...