ESIC hospital develops powdered plasma
Convalescent plasma therapy for Covid-19 victims that required collected plasma to be stored at extremely cold temperatures, can soon be a thing of the past with the development of powdered plasma by the city-based ESI Corporation Hospital that worked with a private firm to produce India’s first lyophilised (powdered) plasma.
The powdered plasma, can be easily reconstituted using saline liquid and administered to Covid-19 patients who might benefit from an infusion of convalescent plasma.
The latest product in the battle against Covid-19 from the ESIC Hyderabad’s stable, was launched by Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, who appreciated the efforts of the hospital for the several products it designed, developed and pressed into service in the battle against Covid-19.
The powdered plasma, which will not require any special storage facilities, can be made readily available and has the additional benefit of prolonged storage, of up to three to five years without its quality being compromised. The new product, will be particularly helpful in assisting those who are immunocompromised or cannot take Covid-19 vaccines to various reasons.
According to Dr Madhumohan Rao, an adjunct faculty at the ESIC Medical College, and the head of R&D at NIMS Hospital, the lyophilized plasma is concentrated form of antibodies. This is very rich in antibodies and provides quick immunity to those who may require it, he said.
Dr V.R. Ravi, who heads Plasmakart, that partnered with ESCI Medical College in this project, said the plasma is converted into powder without damaging the content in the liquid plasma. It will take at least a year for everyone to be immunized. In the meanwhile, something is needed to protect people and the powder will fill this gap, he said.
The product was manufactured after the ethical committee of the medical college gave its permission, Dr Ravi added.
Dr Madhumohan Rao said the next step will be to approach the Indian Council for Medical Research for permission for clinical trials with the powdered plasma.
Asked about the new product from the ESIC Hospital, dean Dr M. Srinivas said this was another step in the ESIC's commitment for prevention and treatment of Covid-19 disease.