Archives: 2020-07-28

Singapore scientists uncover SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity in recovered COVID-19 & SARS patients, and in uninfected individuals

Singapore study shows that SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are present in all recovered COVID-19 patients. These T cells were also found in all subjects who recovered from SARS 17 years ago, and in over 50% of both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 uninfected individuals tested, suggesting that a level of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity is present in the general

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COVID-19: UK Royal College of Pathologists on convalescent plasma effectiveness

High-quality research is essential in underpinning the clinical use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma and this article describes the UK randomised controlled trials underway. RATIONALE FOR USING CONVALESCENT PLASMA The global pandemic of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has not just medical, but also historical significance. In many parts of the world, the exponential epidemic curve of

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Cord Blood T-Regulatory Cells Show Promise in COVID-19 Induced ARDS

Normally, regulatory T cells (also known as T regulatory cells or Tregs) migrate into inflamed tissues, dampening inflammatory responses and hastening tissue repair. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have protracted hospitalizations characterized by excessive systemic inflammation(cytokine storm) and delayed lung repair, which is partly dueto reduced or defective

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Alliance for Regenerative Medicine: Pharmaceutical Strategy Could Save European ATMP Development

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) welcoming the opportunity to provide feedback on the roadmap to the EC pharmaceutical strategy has sent the following response. ARM is the leading international advocacy organisation dedicated to realizing the promise of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and represents the interests of 350+ members worldwide and 70+ members across

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Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study Shows Early Interferon Therapy Is Associated with Favorable Clinical Responses in COVID-19 Patients

Interferons (IFNs) are widely used in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, a recent report of ACE2, the host factor mediating SARS-Cov-2 infection, identifying it as interferon-stimulated raised considerable safety concern. To examine the association between the use and timing of IFN-α2b and clinical outcomes, we analyzed in a retrospective multicenter cohort study of

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COVID-19 and China: lessons and the way forward. A new paper on The Lancet

First lesson : China’s experience shows the importance of investing in national health and research systems to enhance laboratory capacity as well as workforce. They are fundamental to a quick and effective national response to health emergencies and to global health security. A second lesson is that a robust foundation of research cannot guarantee effective

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Ineffectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin in Mild-to-Moderate Covid-19

Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, evidence on the safety and efficacy ofthese therapies is limited. A multicenter, randomized, open-label, three-group, controlled trial was conducted involving hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 who were receiving either no supplemental oxygen or a maximum of 4 liters

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