healthUpdated: Jul 14, 2020 15:55 ISTScientists have demonstrated that two small, stable antibody variants derived from the South American mammals llamas can neutralise the novel coronavirus in lab-cultured cells, an advance which may lead to the development of new therapeutics against COVID-19. In the current study they tested the ability of antibodies derived from the South American mammals llamas in neutralising SARS-CoV-2. Nanobodies are small, stable and easily produced and thus often serve as alternatives to conventional antibodies for diagnostics and imaging, the scientists said. According to the researchers, these small antibodies are currently being developed against SARS-CoV-2 as research tools and potential therapeutics. The scientists said the nanobodies either alone, or in combination with other antibodies, may find application for passive immunisation of patients with severe COVID-19.

Source: Hindustan Times July 14, 2020 10:26 UTC