Coronavirus Blood Plasma Treatment Progresses through Clinical Trials

A medication based on a coronavirus-specific immunoglobulin developed on the basis of blood plasma of cured Moscovites, has recently been registered by the Russian Ministry of Health. Tested by the State Corporation Rostec’s National Immunobiological Company Nacimbo for safety, absence of side effects and the ability to neutralise the novel coronavirus, COVID Globulin is intended for treating medium or strong cases upon completion of Stage 2 and Stage 3 of clinical trials to be conducted in hospitals, including those of Moscow.

"We are glad to present the world's first ever registered medication based on a COVID-specific immunoglobulin. I need to point out that this medication is specifically intended for COVID treatment rather than prevention. This new solution will greatly expand the doctors' toolkit to treat COVID-19. In fact, Russia is among the first countries to apply both types of anti-coronavirus immunisation – passive (immunoglobulin) and active (vaccine)," said Sergey Chemezov, Rostec CEO.

COVID Globulin is a medication based on blood plasma of people already cured from coronavirus and thus containing specific antibodies. Administration of COVID Globulin helps the organism to fight the disease and train the immune system to synthesize antibodies independently. It has been approved for use with patients aged between 18 and 60.

“We continue to make a portfolio of domestic medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Following the world's first Sputnik V vaccine, a number of antiviral agents, medication based on monoclonal antibodies that stop the cytokine storm, we were the first to register an immunoglobulin-based medication that will help critically ill patients in a hospital. The new medication will become an additional tool to protect the health of our citizens during the coronavirus pandemic,” commented Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation.

The drug development has been proactively supported by the Health Department of the Moscow Government which, following intensive testing procedures, transferred 2.5 tonnes of donor plasma to Rostec (Nacimbio) and now provides the venues to conduct Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the clinical trials, which are expected to take about six months. It is intended that the anti-COVID plasma will be supplied to regional centres following the outcome of the clinical trials.

Nacimbio's total investments into the initiative will amount up to RUB 400 million.

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