Antibody cocktail therapy may cover more patients

The Japanese health ministry is working to widen the scope of patients with COVID-19 who can receive treatment using an antibody cocktail, reported NHK WORLD-JAPAN.

According to the ministry, the treatment will be administered during short-term hospitalization.

In the treatment, two drugs are given simultaneously to patients via intravenous drips. In a clinical trial overseas, the therapy reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 70%.

Citing the limited supply of the drugs, the ministry plans to use the method for elderly patients and those with underlying health problems who are hospitalized and show mild or moderate symptoms. However, there are calls to broaden the range of patients who could benefit from the treatment.

The health ministry will make arrangements with local governments so such patients will be able to receive the antibody cocktail treatment during short-term hospitalization.