The Ministry of Innovation and Technology is seeking donors recovered from the coronavirus to develop experimental blood plasma therapy. The research team working on the project, including researchers of Semmelweis University is ready to administer the serum as early as this week.
Based on medical and scientific studies of the epidemic, it can be demonstrated that the excessive immune response in the blood of patients in critical condition, the so-called cytokine storm, may be inhibited by the administration of a healthy serum. Based on the statement of the Ministry, if the serum originates from a donor recovered from the infection, the treatment may be even more efficient due to the high level of antibodies in their blood.
The project supported by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology is led by Dr. Zsombor Lacza, CEO of OrthoSera and Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs of the University of Physical Education. In collaboration with the virology centres of Semmelweis University and the University of Pécs the research group has developed the serum already licensed, which can be administered this week.
The main partners of the researchers in the production of the antiserum are KEDPLASMA Hungary and the National Blood Transfusion Service and treatment of patients can be realized with the collaboration of Semmelweis University.
The most important step for the research group in developing the serum therapy is to find as many people as possible who have already been infected by the virus and have officially been considered recovered, thus are protected from the coronavirus. The project has 40 applicants so far and further recovered donors are being sought who would offer to share their protection with patients in severe conditions.
Plasma collection is a much less demanding procedure for the body than blood donation. Specialists of the medical team will transport the volunteers to the venue of plasma donation with the help of the Operational Staff. The research group accepts application of recovered coronavirus patients via info@orthosera.com or at +36 70 363 8768.
Source: Ministry of Innovation and Technology
Featured image (illustration): Attila Kovács– Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
