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Are monoclonal antibodies effective in patients with severe obesity in SARS-CoV-2 infected?
Claudio Ucciferri1, Livia Moffa1, Samanta Moffa2
1Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Pescara, Italy.
Abstract:
It is important to block SARS-CoV-2 infection immediately with early therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies (MonoAbs). Also, several studies show that obesity is associated with a high risk of severe COVID-19 disease. We enrolled 32 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients who received MonoAbs, all patients were not vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2, and they received therapy after 7 ± 2 days from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. In the days following administration, patients followed home therapy with Pidotimod 800 mg bid for 10 days and cholecalciferol 2000 UI for 20 days, prescribed the same day they received MonoAbs therapy. Our study found that there are no differences in the therapeutic response between obese and nonobese patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection undergoing MonoAbs therapy, in fact, none of them underwent hospitalization. Furthermore, the effect of the immunostimulant Pidotimod and cholecalciferol may have contributed to the resolution of COVID-19 symptoms in these patients.
Insights
Early monoclonal antibody therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection showed no difference in outcomes between obese and nonobese patients. Adjunctive Pidotimod and cholecalciferol may aid symptom resolution in COVID-19 patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a known risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease.
- Early intervention with monoclonal antibodies (MonoAbs) is crucial for blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Understanding treatment responses in diverse patient populations is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic response to monoclonal antibodies in obese versus nonobese patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To assess the impact of Pidotimod and cholecalciferol as adjunctive therapies.
Main Methods:
- 32 unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 infected patients received monoclonal antibodies 7±2 days post-symptom onset.
- Patients also received Pidotimod (800 mg bid for 10 days) and cholecalciferol (2000 IU for 20 days).
- Therapeutic response was compared between obese and nonobese groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in therapeutic response were observed between obese and nonobese patients.
- None of the patients in the study required hospitalization.
- All patients experienced resolution of COVID-19 symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibody therapy is effective in both obese and nonobese patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Adjunctive Pidotimod and cholecalciferol may contribute to symptom resolution and improved outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the synergistic effects of these combined therapies.
