6 minute read
HEALTH
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
for COVID-19
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In the early part of 2020, the world was taken by storm by the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus now known widely as COVID-19. To date the world has struggled to develop safe and effective methods to prevent and treat COVID-19 disease. However, that is changing rapidly as our modern technology and scientific expertise advance. One such company Regeneron pharmaceuticals has presently developed state-of-the-art, independent, synthetic antibodies designed to directly attack the virus responsible for COVID-19 and reduce its infectivity within the human population. Welcome Regeneron Monoclonal Antibody Treatment.
What are monoclonal antibodies? In essence, monoclonal antibodies are artificial proteins created in a laboratory which are designed to mimic the body's immune system to attack harmful pathogenic organisms like the virus responsible for COVID-19. Casirivimab and Imdevimab ("Regeneron") are newly developed recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibodies which have been specifically designed to target the spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and block the virus’s ability to attach and gain entry into human cells. This mechanism essentially mitigates a key mediator of the virus's infectivity and provides an effective passive immunity for people infected with COVID-19.
Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment has now been approved by the FDA for the emergency treatment of COVID-19 in adults and children greater than 12 years old who contract COVID-19 who are deemed at high risk for progressing to severe disease. As opposed to alternative forms of immunity such as vaccine derived immunity which develops over time, this neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment provides an immediate passive immunity for people infected with COVID-19 and can limit the severity of INSPIRE HEALTH12 inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmagthe disease's progression.
The evidence supporting the use of monoclonal antibody treatment was derived based on several randomized double blinded placebo controlled clinical trials involving non-hospitalized adults with mild moderate COVID-19 symptoms. One such study which was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the combination of Casirivimab and Imdevimab demonstrated remarkable results in the treatment of patients who tested positive for COVID-19, and who have comorbidities that put them at risk for progression to severe disease including hospitalization and death. In this study it concluded that non-hospitalized patients infected with COVID19 who received treatment with monoclonal antibody "Regeneron'' had a net 49% reduction in hospitalizations as compared to those who received the placebo. Similar studies have shown as much as a 66% reduction in progression to severe disease and hospitalization. In addition, a clinically significant reduction in viral load was measured with greatest effect noted in patients who had not yet mounted a considerable immune response to the virus, or those who presented with a high viral load at baseline. Furthermore, the safety profile associated with this monoclonal antibody treatment was shown to be favorable, with less than .2% of subjects reporting side effects of moderate severity or greater.
Based on the data extracted from these rigorous clinical trials and many other extensive research programs, there is extensive evidence to conclude that Monoclonal Antibody Treatments may represent a safe and effective treatment to combat COVID 19 infection throughout our population.
About
Keralty Hospital Miami, formerly known as Westchester General Hospital, has served the greater South Florida community since 1967, with 125 beds and specialized services such as Emergency Medicine, Surgical Services, and Intensive Care Units. Keralty Hospital Miami is located at 2500 S.W. 75th Ave., Miami, Florida 33155. For more information, visit www.keraltyhospital.com or contact Paola Rivas, Community Liaison at PRivas@KeraltyHospital.com.
Green Beans Green Beans By Christian Dischler
A staple of most Thanksgiving meals, green beans are sometimes overlooked in terms of health benefits. But in fact, they’re loaded with nutritious value at a low-calorie cost! Here are some reasons why they should be a priority on your shopping list this holiday season.
ANTIOXIDANT RICH
Whether you like them crunchy, canned or cooked in a casserole— there’s no doubt that these super beans are working double time for our systems. They’re full of antioxidants, like vitamin C and flavanols, that actively fight free radicals, contributing to reduced cell damage throughout our bodies.
HEART HEALTHY
Low in calories, but high in fiber! These lengthy year-round veggies are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol and improve your heart’s health. Which is important during the holidays because we all know; things can get hectic!
GREAT FOR PREGNANCY
Even a small portion of green beans is filled with folate, a B vitamin that’s extremely beneficial for the growth and development of fetal babies. It’s often recommended by prenatal doctors to consume around a cup of green beans, when possible, which counts as roughly one-third of your recommended daily folate intake.
WELL-BALANCED DIET SUPERSTARS
Not just versatile in the recipe books, green beans boast a health profile that seems to have it all. They’ve got great protein content, high fiber, and a comprehensive set of vitamins and minerals that help us to maintain a healthy weight, feel full, and get the nutrients we need throughout the day. Chop some fresh, raw green beans to add into a salad and boost your bone health with a variety of beneficial nutrients.
GUT HEALTH
As we learn more about the importance of gut health, we’re finding more fresh vegetables help regulate our gut, and green beans are no exception. These low-carb super foods are so good for you, they can help to clean out your gut of harmful bacteria, but leave the good so your body keeps running at its full potential.
CANCER FIGHTERS
Lastly, green beans may even help to reduce the risk of cancer in those who enjoy their crunchy goodness. In addition to their full mineral profile, green beans also have chlorophyll, which may help slow tumor growth, and keep you healthier longer.
Don’t shy away from these green health machines when browsing those holiday recipe books this year. You might find your new favorite dish, and feel good doing it.
GAME DAY CHILI CON CARNE CHILI CON CARNE
By Nellie Palmer
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped • 2 lbs extra lean ground turkey • 3 tsp Mexican spice mix • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 can red kidney beans • 1 can sweet corn • 1 can diced tomatoes • 1 can black beans • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro • 2 fresh green chilies, sliced
DIRECTIONS
Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add turkey, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon, cook for 4 minutes. Add spice mix and cumin.
Season well. Stir in beans, corn, cilantro and tomato. Add (1½ cups) water.
Bring mixture to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the chili has thickened. Garnish with sliced green chilies and more cilantro.