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Key Points

A pioneering clinical trial is underway to explore a potential treatment for Long Covid, a complex condition affecting millions worldwide. Scientists from Nova Southeastern University are investigating sipavibart, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, to address the condition's extensive symptoms. The multi-year research involves 100 patients and aims to provide hope for those suffering from post-viral complications. This groundbreaking study represents a significant step in understanding and potentially treating the debilitating effects of Long Covid.

Key Points: NSU Scientists Test AstraZeneca Antibody for Long Covid Cure

  • First major clinical trial targeting comprehensive Long Covid treatment
  • Sipavibart antibody tested to potentially restore patient health
  • Multi-year research involving 100 patients approved by FDA
  • Nova Southeastern University leads innovative medical research
2 min read

US scientists to explore potential of antibody against Long Covid

US researchers launch groundbreaking clinical trial to explore monoclonal antibody sipavibart as potential treatment for Long Covid's complex symptoms

"Long Covid affects at least 65 million people worldwide - Dr. John Redd, SILC CEO"

New Delhi, May 3

US scientists are undertaking a clinical trial to decode the efficacy of a long-acting antibody against Long Covid -- a condition that affects at least 65 million people worldwide.

Long Covid affects people after an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The condition not properly defined yet presents with more than 200 symptoms.

The team from the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid (SILC) announced that a clinical trial is underway to assess the effectiveness and safety of sipavibart -- a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed by British drugmaker AstraZeneca's to protect the condition.

The team enrolled 100 patients in the multi-year research, reviewed and cleared by the FDA earlier this year. It aims to improve patients Long Covid symptoms and restore them to full health.

"Like many multi-symptom, post-viral conditions, Long Covid is incredibly complicated and thus little understood," said Nancy Klimas, director of the Institute for Neuro-lmmune Medicine at NSU.

"Finding a treatment will be life-changing for patients suffering from the myriad symptoms of Long Covid," she added.

The study will test whether the monoclonal antibody sipavibart -- approved for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of Covid-19 in Japan and the EU -- is effective in treating Long Covid. The trial is one of three Long Covid treatment trials expected to begin in 2025.

"Long Covid affects at least 65 million people worldwide, and with more than 200 symptoms, the health impacts of the disease can be debilitating," said Dr. John Redd, CEO of SILC.

"This trial represents our overall commitment to addressing the most pressing health challenges of our time. We're leveraging our research expertise to potentially transform treatment options for millions suffering from Long Covid, advance knowledge, and improve patient outcomes through innovative clinical research," added Dr. Ken Dawson-Scully, NSU's senior vice president for research and associate provost.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such promising research! My cousin in Mumbai has been suffering from Long Covid for over a year now with extreme fatigue. Indian doctors have been struggling to help. Hope this trial succeeds and the treatment becomes available here soon. 🙏
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Rahul S.
Good initiative but I wonder how affordable this treatment will be for developing countries like ours. AstraZeneca vaccines were accessible, hope they maintain the same approach with this too. Our government should start preparing to negotiate prices in advance.
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Ananya M.
Why aren't Indian research institutions collaborating on such important global health projects? We have brilliant scientists at AIIMS and ICMR who could contribute meaningfully. Time to move beyond just being consumers of Western medical research!
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Vikram J.
The 200+ symptoms part is concerning. In India, many might be suffering without even realizing it's Long Covid. Our primary healthcare workers need training to identify these cases properly. Maybe Ayushman Bharat should include Long Covid coverage?
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Sunita P.
My mother has been experiencing brain fog and joint pain post-Covid. Our local doctor just prescribed painkillers. Glad to see proper scientific research happening abroad, but wish we had more awareness about this in small towns too. #LongCovidAwareness
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Karan D.
While Western medicine researches antibodies, we shouldn't ignore our traditional Ayurvedic treatments for post-viral conditions. Many ashwagandha and tulsi based formulations show promise. A balanced approach combining both would be ideal for India.

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