As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to gain ground, an institute located in Belgium has released important information. Indeed, researchers say they have discovered an antibody capable of neutralizing the coronavirus. However, further research is needed to confirm the results.
With 1,058 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, Belgium is far from being the country most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. However, this does not prevent the mobilization of researchers Belgians whose objective is to find an effective way to fight against the disease. According to an article published by the RTBF channel on March 16, 2020, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology Research (VIB) announced the discovery of an antibody able to neutralize the coronavirus.
This antibody is capable of neutralizing a laboratory variant of the coronavirus. The researchers explained that it could prevent the latter from infecting human cells. This is therefore an important step forward, likely opening the way to the development of an antiviral drug capable of overcoming Covid-19.
Unlike vaccines, the antibody provides immediate protection . Although it is a short-term protection, the main advantage is to prevent patients from producing their own antibodies. In addition, it could make it possible to protect health workers on the front line in the fight against the coronavirus. However, they could therefore also benefit from this immediate protection. The Belgian institute said it is currently carrying out additional tests to confirm the first results. In addition, a preclinical test phase is being prepared.
There is therefore hope for a new treatment that would relieve the fight against the coronavirus that is already undermining health services. In addition, hopes for possible future vaccines are in vain since there is talk of a wait of several months.
Now considered the new epicenter of the pandemic, Europe has several countries in great difficulty such as Italy, Spain, France or even Germany. However, such a discovery could obviously be useful to the rest of the world. The latest global assessment reports approximately 185,000 confirmed cases for more than 7,300 deaths , of which more than 2,000 in Italy alone.
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