Paving Way for Development of a Cure
The Korea National Institute of Health has succeeded in producing a protein detecting an antibody to COVID-19 in blood. The institute has worked on an examination method with COVID-19 patients’ blood to confirm immune reactions. The production of the protein is expected to accelerate the development of a cure.
The protein, called probe, can be bound to an antibody to the coronavirus. The successful synthesis of the protein means that it is now possible to confirm antibody formation in blood and the amount in the event of formation. The institute used antibodies obtained from the blood of two patients hospitalized in the National Medical Center.
The blood of those in the convalescent stage is required for further research. In most cases, the antibody of immunoglobulin G related to immune reactions in blood is generated in quantity in about one month from discharge. As such, it can be said that the success of future research hinges on how much blood can be obtained from those who had the virus.
The institute is conducting 12 different research projects in relation to COVID-19. Those include antibody development, research on vaccine candidates, clinical epidemiological research, serological research, and use of medicine for other purposes. In addition, it is working closely with other research institutes and enterprises to develop quick diagnostic kits.