The equine serum developed by Venezuelan researchers inhibits, in a 100%, the proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as reported the Minister of People’s Power for Science and Technology, Gabriela Jiménez, this Sunday during the Covid-19 balance journey presided over by the Head of State, Nicolás Maduro.
The minister explained that, after nanotechnology, microbiological, bactericidal and virucidal studies, the results are encouraging: «The results of in vitro cultures are encouraging, the equine serum developed by Venezuelan researchers inhibits, in a 100%, the proliferation of the virus”, she said.
The initiative is promoted by the National Scientific Council in conjunction with the Presidential Commission for the Prevention, Attention and Control of Covid-19 and is part of the fourth line of research that Venezuela has proposed to stop the advance of the pandemic in the country:
«These horses were inoculated, they were infected with the virus, a first stage of the serum was isolated, these -serums- were sent to the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), and the first neutralization tests were carried out”, explained Jiménez.
The preparation of equine serum is in charge of Biotecfar, a foundation dedicated to the production and distribution of biotechnological products and technical and scientific advice.
The financing of the studies promoted by the Biotecfar scientific research foundation were granted by the national government, as established by the Organic Law of Sciences, Technology and Innovation (Lotci).
To prepare the serum, the antibodies that specifically interacted with the virus were isolated and completely inactivated.
Based on these results of the laboratory tests, we proceed to the analysis of the doses, as well as the tests in patients with COVID-19.
Biotecfar will begin to define the dosage, which in a first stage the patients of the University Hospital will receive, and with this start the project of clinical trials:
«Through a project, which must be introduced to the Rafael Rangel National Institute of Hygiene and before the Bioethics Committee of the country, to then initiate a phase 3 study, the results are very encouraging at present, equine or isolated plasma in the presence of the The SARS-COV-2 virus is 100% active and inhibits the proliferation of the virus in in vitro tests”, stressed the head of the science office.