Llama Blood's Antibodies Might Be The Key To Combat CO.VID-19, Study

Experts at the Vlaams Institute for Biotechnology recently found out that particles in the blood of llama might be the needed therapeutics to fight off the Coronavirus.

The research raises the need for further study to confirm the effect of llama antibodies in treating CO.VID-19.

The antibodies the researchers are looking into have been tested to see if they have any effect on HIV. So far, they have been proven to be effective on the virus that causes MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The properties of antibodies found in the blood of camelids - llamas, alpacas, and camels were first discovered by experts of the Brussels University back in 1989.

The size of the antibodies makes them the ideal candidate for nanobody technology as it allows them to better target microscopic viruses.

Another promising finding made by researchers in South Korea is that ferrets could serve as effective tools to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments as their bodies react similarly to humans.

Separately, Oxford University is carrying out trials for its vaccines against COVID-19. So far, scientists have seen some promising results when testing on animals.

This latest vaccine came from chimpanzees which were infected with the Coronavirus. Their bodies generate antibodies that enhance the immune system of humans.

The team behind this study is confident that their vaccines will be rolled out soon. However, according to public health officials, any new vaccines must go through a validating process of 12 to 18 months.

Commenting on this time frame, professor of vaccinology Sarah Gilbert said that the claim was highly ambitious and many things could get in the way of meeting that target.

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