Russia (bbabo.net), - American scientists have discovered previously unknown types of antibodies to coronavirus that effectively fight the main strains of COVID-19, including Omicron. This discovery, scientists hope, will allow the creation of a new, more effective coronavirus drug to prevent the development of severe forms of the disease.

The study was conducted at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Maryland. Under laboratory conditions, DNA strands were extracted from the immune cells of patients, after which their sections were introduced into the bacteriophage genome. Fragments of monoclonal antibodies began to appear in its protein shell, which were then multiplied and tested for “compatibility” with fragments of the coronavirus shell.

During the experiment, it was possible to identify about 20 types of antibodies to COVID-19 that were not previously known to the medical community. Of these, two species named NE12 and NA8 showed a powerful neutralizing ability to early mutations of the coronavirus, as well as to "delta", "beta" and "omicron". The prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of NE12 and NA8 has been confirmed in preclinical studies in the golden (Syrian) hamster model.

Scientists believe that using their technique they will be able to quickly isolate antibodies in patients' blood tests and multiply them if necessary in order to strengthen the body's defenses. However, the study was published as a preprint, that is, it has not yet been peer-reviewed, so the conclusions of experts are not yet recommended for use as a guide in clinical practice.

At the end of December, the Center. Gamalei said that he had developed a drug based on antibodies to coronavirus infection, preliminary data indicate its effectiveness against the Omicron strain, which is expected to become widespread in Russia in the coming weeks. Clinical trials of the new drug are to begin in January, said Alexander Gintsburg, director of the center.

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