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NEW DELHI – A recent clinical trial published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet has unveiled a potential game-changer in the fight against rabies. Researchers have developed a new lab-made rabies immunoglobulin (RmAb) that has proven to be as effective as its traditional counterparts, offering a safer and more affordable alternative for post-exposure treatment.
The new monoclonal antibody, created in a laboratory, could replace the older versions currently used in public hospitals, which are derived from animals or human plasma. The traditional treatments, an injection of concentrated antibodies providing immediate, short-term protection, have been in use since the 1970s. However, these versions, known as equine rabies immunoglobulin (ERIG) from horses and human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) from donated plasma, carry risks of allergic reactions and can be costly to produce.
The new RmAb product, which has been available in private clinics since 2017 and used by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) since 2019, was tested against the horse-derived version in a post-marketing clinical trial involving over 4,000 participants. The study’s findings demonstrated that the lab-made product was not only equally effective in preventing rabies but also resulted in slightly higher average antibody levels in patients after 14 days. This suggests a significant step forward in ensuring a safer and more reliable supply of rabies treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Reference:
- Times of India. “Lab-grown rabies antibodies show promise as safe alternative.” Published on August 19, 2022. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lab-grown-rabies-antibodies-show-promise-as-safe-alternative/articleshow/123290787.cms
