Jipmer gets ICMR nod for plasma trial

CHENNAI: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given Jipmer in Puducherry approval to begin a trial to assess the efficacy of the plasma of cured Covid-19 patients in fighting the novel coronavirus.
The institute has invited people who have recovered from Covid-19 to donate their plasma for the trial. Those interested can contact the department of transfusion medicine, Jipmer, through SMS or WhatsApp or call the department at 97872 4490.The institute will collect convalescent plasma from them if they are eligible to donate blood.
Jipmer associate professor (transfusion medicine) Dr B Abhishekh said the concept of plasma therapy involves using antibodies from recovered patients to treat Covid-19.
“Presently, there is no approved treatment for Covid-19 infection. Convalescent plasma, which is part of blood donated from the patient who has recovered from Covid-19, has been used in some patients globally with some benefit. The therapy may or may not improve the condition of Covid patients,” said Dr Abhishekh. He said all recovered patients aged between 18 and 65 can donate plasma.
But women, who are pregnant or had been pregnant, are usually not considered for collection.
Donors must have completed a minimum of two weeks (14 days) after recovery.
Five test positive in Puducherry
Five more people tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday taking the total number of cases reported to 104 in the Union territory. Six patients recovered on Friday. At present, 62 patients are undergoing treatment in Puducherry. Fortyseven passengers are under quarantine in institutional facilities and 6,359 passengers are under home quarantine.