Monoclonal Antibody Therapy, dubbed as a breakthrough treatment for high-risk COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, has helped four patients recover significantly at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. Since June 1, the cocktail therapy has been successfully administered in four patients with multiple co-morbid conditions, including two severely obese individuals with BMI of over 45.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens. The two monoclonal antibodies; Casirivimab and Imdevimab are specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells, resulting in faster recovery. In February 2021, the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to the antibody cocktail for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. The therapy was introduced in India, in May 2021 to minimise the mutation.
A 58-year-old severely obese, chronic smoker, weighing 130kg (BMI 46) and history of severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome was the first to receive the antibody cocktail on June 2. “He was a high risk patient with no hypoxia but mild symptom of body ache. Since the patient had tested positive on May 30, we decided to administer monoclonal cocktail in anticipation of severe COVID-19 illness,” said Dr Salil Bendre, Consultant, Pulmonology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. The patient was kept under observation for 48-hours and discharged thereafter. “The patient could’ve suffered a severe COVID-19 illness due to his existing comorbidities. But two weeks on, he is stable and asymptomatic,” Dr Bendre added.
Another bedridden 50-year-old woman weighing 125kgs (BMI 45) with a history of poliomyelitis, hypertension and borderline diabetes has also shown significant improvement. Dr Girish Parmar, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, who’s been treating the woman said she visited the hospital on the 7th day of COVID-19 infection. “The patient had mild symptoms of cough and fever. Since she was a high-risk patient, within the initial window of disease advancement, we administered Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail on June 9. She is currently asymptotic and shows signs of speedy recovery,” said Dr Parmar.
The other two patients who have received the antibody cocktail include a 50-year-old woman with uncontrolled diabetes and cardiac issues and a 57-year-old man with hypertension, who’s fever didn’t subside for seven days. Both patients had mild symptoms but despite the comorbidities, showed signs of early recovery due to monoclonal antibodies.
Talking about the antibody cocktail therapy, Ms. Mangla Dembi, Senior Vice President and Head Operations at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital said, “We are proud of our seasoned team of medical experts who successfully prevented probable severe infection in all the four high risk patients by administering this therapy. The patients have shown significant recovery. We will continue our endeavour in offering the most advanced clinical solutions for all our patients.”