Butantan officials test people for Covid-19 in São Paulo. Photo: Govesp
São Paulo’s Butantan Biological Institute — which produces the Chinese-made CoronaVac vaccine in Brazil — has filed data on a potential anti-coronavirus serum to federal regulators. The institute requests authorization to begin clinical trials on human patients.
The serum is produced in partnership with the University of São Paulo and “consists of a concentrated dose of antibodies,” according to Dimas Covas, the head of the Butantan Institute. He claims that the serum should be used on individuals who contract the coronavirus, as soon as the first symptoms begin to show. “Its goal is to prevent the disease from evolving [into a severe infection],” said Mr. Covas, during a press briefing.
Animal trials have reportedly been promising, with scientists observing a drop in inflammation and viral load. It also reduced the risk of lung damage.
Per Mr. Covas, 3,000 bottles of the serum have been manufactured and are ready for use as soon as regulators give their approval.
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