Former ICMR scientist Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar advocated the rational use of the Covid-19 monoclonal antibody cocktail and said the treatment was unlikely to result in further mutations of the virus.
File photo of Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former senior scientist in epidemiology and communicable diseases at the ICMR (Photo credit: Getty Images)
HIGHLIGHTS
- The antibody cocktail developed by Roche is already being administered in India
- A disturbed immune response that is likely to lead to moderate to severe illness: Dr. Gangakhedkar
- According to the epidemiologist, there is no evidence that monoclonal antibodies protect people from new variants
A monoclonal antibody cocktail is unlikely to cause another mutation in the Covid-19 virus, said Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar. Dr. Gangakhedkar, former senior scientist in epidemiology and communicable diseases at the ICMR, also emphasized the rational use of this treatment method.
The antibody cocktail from the pharmaceutical company Roche is already available in India Administered to patients diagnosed with a mild Covid-19 infection. The drug was approved for emergency use by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) earlier this month.
Zydus Cadila has also asked for permission for experiments on humans with his antibody cocktail.
Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar said Sunday that in theory the monoclonal antibody cocktail is unlikely to cause the virus to mutate. A person develops a moderate to severe illness that is likely due to an impaired immune response rather than the virus itself said ANI news agency.
Because the antibody cocktail prevents the virus from replicating, it doesn’t mutate under pressure, added Dr. Gangakhedkar added.
Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar also said rational use of the antibody cocktail based on evidence is “vital”. It should be given as early as possible within three to ten days of the patient’s positive Covid-19 test, he added.
However, he also said there is no evidence that treatment with monoclonal antibodies will protect people from new variants of Covid-19.
The Roche antibody cocktail marketed by Cipla in India is a mixture of two drugs – casirivimab and imdevimab. Dr. Naresh Trehan, well-known cardiologist and chairman of Medanta, even recommended it Use in children weighing over 40 kg.
The same antibody cocktail was used to treat former U.S. President Donald Trump when he tested positive for Covid-19 last year.
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