President Trump announced on Sunday that emergency use of convalescent plasma has been given the go-ahead, making it more accessible to patients.
By Anash.org reporter
In a news conference on Sunday evening, President Trump announced a “breakthrough” in treatment for COVID-19, in which emergency use of convalescent plasma has been authorized.
The authorization makes it easier for some patients to have access to the treatment, which uses antibody-rich blood plasma from those who have recovered from the virus.
“Today’s action will dramatically expand access to the treatment,” Trump stated. Plasma treatment has proven to reduce patient mortality by 35%, which Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar described as very significant.
The FDA found the treatment to be most effective in patients under 80 who were not on a respirator and treated with high levels of antibodies within three days of diagnosis.
“Convalescent plasma has been a tried a true method in prior outbreaks,” Azar said. “The president wanted to ensure that we develop the data to support its use,” and the authorization is a result of his efforts.
Although the president used very definitive terms in regard to the success of treatment, the FDA itself tweeted: “We determined that it is reasonable to believe that COVID-19 convalescent plasma may be effective in lessening the severity or shortening the length of COVID-19 illness in some patients.” Additionally, the evidence has been inconclusive as to how it works or how best to administer it, and more research is necessary.
Trump went on to encourage all Americans who have recovered, to visit coronavirus.gov and donate plasma.
As reported on Anash.org, frum Jews have made up a remarkably high percentage of plasma donors, creating a tremendous Kiddush Hashem in the country and beyond.
Discussion
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.