LECOM Alumnus Approved by USFDA for Convalescent Plasma Research

LECOM Bradenton Alumnus Approved by USFDA for Convalescent Plasma Research

As most leaders will agree, the finest eloquence is that which gets things done; for that which one accomplishes in this lifetime will echo into eternity. This noted truism is an appropriate one indeed as a virus that began on the other side of the globe has propelled the whole of the medical community into unremitting action.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) takes great pride in, and offers its deep appreciation to, Brian Patrick Peppers, DO, PhD, a LECOM Bradenton Class of 2011 honors graduate working on the cutting edge of COVID-19 research.

The pediatric medicine specialist was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to undertake and complete a study into the protocols for convalescent plasma for COVID-19-affected patients.

Having almost a decade of diverse experiences in the healthcare field, especially in pediatric medicine, allergy, and immunology, Dr. Peppers serves as a faculty member of the West Virginia University Health System, in Morgantown, West Virginia and he is affiliated with University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center in Richmond Heights.

His application to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, under the USFDA, for study of an investigational new drug was approved for a convalescent protocol entitled, Convalescent Plasma Collection from Individuals that Recovered from COVID-19 and Treatment of Critically Ill Individuals with Donor Convalescent Plasma. Convalescent donor plasma is collected from an individual who has been infected by COVID-19 and who has recovered from the virus. The plasma contains antibodies that identify the virus and that stimulate the body’s immune system to remove it. This technique is the basis for immunotherapy, using the body’s own immune system to combat an illness.

“The aim of this study is to determine if it will help promote health for those with this specific infection,” explained Dr. Peppers. “Similar pilot studies for the treatment of COVID-19 have shown positive results,” he noted.

The long-term goal of his investigation is to develop an enriched and purified antibody medication to use against the virus.

Dr. Peppers completed his residency training in 2014 at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio; and in addition to many awards, honors, and a plethora of journal publications, he completed a pediatric and adult allergy and immunology fellowship at Cleveland Medical Center and a pediatrics residency at University Hospitals, Cleveland.

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” So said American astronomer and scientist, Dr. Carl Sagan. This relevant commentary underpins the very motivation of countless medical professionals such as Dr. Brian Peppers, who dedicate their time, talents, and training to the profoundly purposeful pursuit of discovery. To him, and to those who commit themselves to the noble battle against the ravages of a deadly virus, LECOM offers its proud and hearty commendation.