CONFIRMATION OF ISOLATION OF AN ANTIBODY AGAINST COVID-19

Biological Research Institute 

Israel's Biological Research Institute confirmed on Tuesday that it has isolated an antibody that could be used to develop treatments against the COVID-19 virus, saying that it was ahead in the world in its efforts, though it warned that the production of medication was still several months ahead.


This development would not be used in the development of a vaccine, but would rather be a movement towards a  drug treatment for those who have already contracted the disease.


Prof. Shaki Shemer, the head of the Assuta Medical Center, near Tel-Aviv, and a former general director of the Ministry of Health noted the significance of the development.  "This is a real breakthrough" involving "scientific and technological capabilities of the first order", said the professor on a television show, on Tuesday evening.  "They produced an antibody that neutralises the virus" though "there is still a long way to go in terms of testing and confirmation".  "No other country has done this," he added.


The Biological Research Institute said it will file a patent for this antibody in a few days.  Mr Bennett, Israel's Defence Minister had announced the isolation of the antibody late on Monday night and added that the researchers would promptly approach international companies to produce the antibody on a commercial scale.


About 100 research groups, around the world, are pursuing vaccines for the coronavirus disease but they are cautioning that even if everything works perfectly, developing a vaccine in 10-12 months would be considered a very speedy record.


Even if a successful vaccine is produced, there will not be enough for everyone in the beginning. A number of vaccine producers are taking a great risk by making tons of doses while wasting millions if their choice is wrong, but lessening the production time by far if their preference is successful.


Meanwhile, there is great universal concern about the global economy due to the coronavirus and the crippling aftermath.

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