What Is Antibody Cocktail Treatment? How It Helps In Fight Against Coronavirus - Details Here

The monoclonal antibodies cocktail, which has been extensively in the United States and Europe, drew eyeballs last year after it was used to treat former US president Donald Trump.

(Representative Image/Getty)

New Delhi: Amid concerns across the country over a probable third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the antibody cocktail seems to have emerged as a panacea as this therapy is considered to be befitting for patients with mild to moderate symptoms of coronavirus and reduces hospitalisation chances by 70 percent.

The monoclonal antibodies cocktail, which has been extensively in the United States and Europe, drew eyeballs last year after it was used to treat former US president Donald Trump.

Earlier on Wednesday, an elderly man, who was the first Covid-19 patient in India to receive an antibody drug cocktail, was discharged from the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana.

The 84-year-old from Haryana was administered a cocktail of Casirivimab and Imdevimab.

Talking about the same, Medanta Hospital chairman Dr Naresh Trehan said: “When Casirivimab and Imdevimab are injected into infected patient in early stage it blocks virus from entering cells of patient. It is working against COVID-19 and also effective against B.1.617 variant. This is a new weapon.”

What Is An Antibody Cocktail?

This therapy is a blend of two monoclonal antibodies. An antibody is a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances. Antibodies may be produced when the immune system mistakenly considers healthy tissue a harmful substance. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses.

Casirivimab and imdevimab, which are part of the antibody cocktail, are specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. They block the virus’ attachment and subsequent entry into human cells. Using two antibodies protects against the body’s resistance to them.

Who Should Take Antibody Cocktail?

This therapy is said to be most suited for high-risk Covid-19 patients, particularly those above 60 years of age. This therapy is also said to be apt for the patients having comorbid conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, chronic lung or cardiovascular disease.

The antibody cocktail is to be administered for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid symptoms in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age or older, weighing at least 40 kg).

Cipla, which is distributing this drug in the country, in a statement earlier said Casirivimab and Imdevimab are monoclonal antibodies that are specially directed towards SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and considered to block the attachment and entry of virus into body cells.

The therapy is, however, not recommended for the patients hospitalised due to severe Covid-19 and require oxygen therapy.

How Is Antibody Cocktail Administered?

A combined dose of 1200 mg (600 mg of each drug) has been approved for administration. This can either be infused intravenously or via subcutaneous route as an injection. The administration of a full dose of an antibody cocktail takes around half an hour. The patient administered the dose is then observed for an hour to see for any adversarial reactions of the drug.

Which Firms Are Selling Antibody Cocktail In India?

The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) had earlier this month granted Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) approvals to drug firm Roche India for the antibody cocktail. The first lot of the drug used in treatment of the Covid-19 infection is now available in India. Likewise, Zydus Cadila has also sought nod from the CDSCO for clinical trials of its antibody cocktail.

Price Of Antibody Cocktail?

The price for one dose of antibody cocktail, including 600 mg of Casirivimab and 600 mg of Imdevimab, has been fixed at Rs 59,750 while the price of multi-dose pack is Rs 1,19,500.