Antibody treatment, specifically using monoclonal antibodies, involves using lab-created antibodies that mimic your body's own defenses to help your immune system quickly fight off viruses like COVID-19 before they cause severe illness or hospitalization.
Here's a breakdown:
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Monoclonal Antibodies: These are laboratory-made proteins designed to target specific antigens (like those on the surface of the COVID-19 virus). They essentially act like a more focused and amplified version of your natural antibodies.
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How They Work: The monoclonal antibodies bind to the virus, preventing it from entering and infecting your cells. This gives your immune system a head start in clearing the virus.
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FDA Authorization: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of monoclonal antibody treatments for eligible patients who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
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Goal: The primary goal of monoclonal antibody treatment is to prevent hospitalization and severe illness in individuals infected with a virus like COVID-19. They are most effective when administered early in the course of the infection.
