New trial seeks to improve survival rates for patients with COVID-19
A new trial is taking place at Addenbrooke’s Hospital to test whether COVID-19 patients with weak immune systems have a better chance of survival if they are injected with plasma from people who have successfully recovered from the virus.
The trial will examine whether antibody rich plasma, known as ‘convalescent plasma’ can be given to people who are struggling to develop an immune response to the illness. Scientists want to discover whether this treatment would improve a COVID-19 patient’s speed of recovery and chances of survival.
The clinical trial is being run nationally by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). Although there is some evidence of patient benefit, it will seek to confirm the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma transfusions. If successful, the plasma has the added benefit of being freezable, so donations can be stockpiled ahead of a potential second wave.
For more information visit: CUH News
Published June 8, 2020
Latest from CCTU
Innovative trial offers hope on World Pancreatic Cancer Day
An early-stage trial, recently opened at Addenbrooke's Hospital, offers new hope tp people with late-stage pancreatic cancer and their families.
…
National Patient Led Research Hub celebrates tenth anniversary
A national team based in Cambridge are celebrating ten years of helping people living with rare diseases to develop their own research ideas. The hub has…
Hope for MS patients as Cambridge trial suggests drug combination may repair nerve damage
Early findings from a clinical trial in Cambridge suggest a combination of metformin, a diabetes drug, and clemastine, an antihistamine, can help repair…
