6 Covid patients given cocktail drug at Ludhiana's DMCH

Tribune News Service

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Ludhiana, June 28

Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) has given antibody cocktail drug to six patients, five of whom have responded well and have been discharged (after observation), while one remains admitted.

Dr Bishav Mohan, Medical Superintendent, Hero DMCH Heart Institute, said the drug was given to high-risk patients who had chances of developing severe Covid-19 infection. It was administered as early as possible, when the disease was mild or moderate.

The eldest patient was 85-year-old and he had responded well, he said.

“Single dose of this injection is given to those in home isolation with high risk of developing kidney, liver, diabetes, heart ailments or lung diseases. It is not meant for people in ICU, who are in need of oxygen support or who have anaphylaxis,” he said.

“The drug’s effectiveness on Delta Plus variant can’t be confirmed at this juncture.”

The cost of a dose is Rs 60,000 but was given to the six patients free of cost.

For high-risk Covid patients

• The drug is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies — proteins that the body generates to defend itself against diseases
• It is given to high-risk patients with chances of developing severe Covid-19 infection and is administered as early as possible