First potential treatment for deadly MERS virus identified by scientists
For the first time scientists have identified two promising drug candidates for the treatment of deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus.
REGN3051 and REGN3048 are the two antibodies (drug candidates) which have shown ability to neutralise the MERS virus. This research was done in collaboration with New York based biopharmaceutical company Regeneron.
Research Summary
In order to validate effective antibodies to target MERS virus, researchers had relied on Regeneron’s VelociGene technology to create partially humanised mice that can be infected with MERS.
This partially humanised mouse model will help researchers further to boost their ability to study potential treatments. It will in turn help scientists to understand how the virus causes disease in people
About Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
- MERS belongs to the family of coronaviruses which includes large family of viruses such as common cold and Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
- It was discovered in 2012 and was mostly centred in Saudi Arabia.
- Source: MERS is a betacoronavirus derived from bats. Camels have shown to have antibodies to MERS, but the exact source of infection in camels has not been identified.
- Transmission: It can be transmitted from infected person to others after close contact via a respiratory route. It spread’s in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Symptoms: fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.
- Treatment: Till date there is no vaccine available to prevent it. However intensive medical care can help patient to breath.
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Month: Current Affairs - July, 2015