The initial trials of protein treatment for coronavirus had dramatically reduced the need for intensive care units for COVID-19 patients, according to a company in the United Kingdom.
The biotech company, Synairgen protein treatment, utilized the interferon beta protein that is produced by the body when a viral infection is in contact. The Southampton-based biotech has carried out the clinical trials of the protein on coronavirus patients. Protein is directly indeed by the infected person with a nebulizer that pushes it into the lungs to stimulate natural immune system response.
The findings of the clinical trials suggested that protein treatment for coronavirus reduces the likelihood of severity and can minimize ventilator use up to 79%.
Synairgen claimed that the patients can recover by two to threefold and can resume everyday activities. The clinical trials of protein for COVID-19 indicated a significant reduction of breathing difficulties in patients who received the protein treatment.
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Additionally, the average duration of nine days in hospitals has been reduced to six days for patients who inhaled the protein treatment drug. In the treatment trial, 101 volunteers were given a double-blind treatment; half patients received the protein, and the other half an inactive placebo.
However, the data and trial results have not been published in a peer-review journal, so the experts await the evidence for treatment claims. Tom Wilkinson, the in-charge scientist for the protein trial, believes that the new treatment can be a game-changer if the findings are proved for more extensive data studies. He further added,
“We couldn’t have expected much better results than these, and it is a major breakthrough in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.”
The scientist on the protein treatment trial will present the findings to medical authorities and seek approval of the treatment. It is also expected that if proven effective, the protein treatment might get an emergency approval for use, similar to antiviral remdesivir drug.
Also Read: Antiviral Remdesivir: Improved Recovery Of Severe Coronavirus Patients
The protein treatment for COVID-19 is a template by the Synairgen for the robust tracking of clinical trials for COVID-19 patients, and it is believed to be more effective for mild and early infections. Professor of metabolic medicine, Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow commented,
“The results seem very impressive….and it would be good to see the full results one presented and peer-reviews to make sure they are robust and the trial conduct was rigorous.”
