April 8, 2020

Deployment of convalescent plasma for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• To date, there are no proven options for prophylaxis for those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 nor therapy for COVID-19 patients. Passive antibody administration of convalescent plasma may immediate and short term immunity to susceptible individuals. Convalescent plasma has been used in the COVID-19 pandemic, however, limited data from China suggests that there are nuanced challenges, both regulatory and logistical. Bloch et al provide an overview of convalescent plasma, from evidence of benefit, regulatory considerations, logistical work flow and proposed clinical trials, as scale up is brought underway to mobilize this critical resource.

Bloch et al. (April 7, 2020). Deployment of convalescent plasma for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. J Clin Inves. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI138745