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. 2020 Jun;12(8):571-576.
doi: 10.2217/imt-2020-0095. Epub 2020 May 12.

Currently available intravenous immunoglobulin contains antibodies reacting against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antigens

José-María Díez  1 , Carolina Romero  1 , Rodrigo Gajardo  1
Affiliations

Currently available intravenous immunoglobulin contains antibodies reacting against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antigens

José-María Díez et al. Immunotherapy. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Aim: There is a critical need for effective therapies that are immediately available to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. Material & methods: Gamunex®-C and Flebogamma® DIF (Grifols) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products were tested using ELISA techniques for antibodies against several antigens of human common betacoronaviruses that may crossreact with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Results: Both IVIGs showed consistent reactivity to components of the tested viruses. Positive crossreactivity was seen in SARS-CoV, middle east respiratory syndrome-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. For SARS-CoV-2, positive reactivity was observed at IVIG concentrations ranging from 100 μg/ml with Gamunex-C to 1 mg/ml with Flebogamma 5% DIF. Conclusion: Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF contain antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Studies to confirm the utility of IVIG preparations for COVID-19 management may be warranted.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibody content; intravenous immunoglobulin.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors are full-time employees of Grifols, the manufacturer of Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Editorial assistance has been provided by Content Ed Net Spain with funding by Grifols S.A.

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