Facts & Research
Facts
Patients who have survived COVID-19 are likely to have high levels of IgG antibodies towards the virus in their blood. These antibodies were used to assist the immune system in its fight against the virus. COVID-19 survivors can donate their plasma (the component of the blood that contains antibodies) which can then be transfused into other COVID-19 patients to aid in their healing. Preliminary data reveals that COVID-19 plasma transfusions significantly aided patient recovery and in some cases may have saved people in critical condition.
Here are some ways our donor initiative has impacted the state of blood plasma transfusions as a treatment option for COVID-19 patients:
We are currently the primary donor pool of convalescent COVID-19 blood plasma in the NY region and among the largest in the USA.
We are partnered with medical affiliates including the New York Blood Center, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins.
Thousands of plasma donations have occurred or have been scheduled. We continue to add regions beyond the NY/NJ area.
Each plasma donation = 3 patients treated. Doctors on the front lines report markedly higher chances of recovery with convalescent COVID-19 plasma treatment.
Experimental Treatments for COVID-19
NOTE: These are treatments currently under investigation for COVID-19, NOT an endorsement of these treatments. Please ask and discuss with your treating physician(s) to determine whether relevant patients are appropriate candidates for treatment.
Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19 Treatment
New: Research Paper: Evidence favoring the efficacy of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 therapy
Research Paper: Safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in 5,000 patients
Nature biotechnology: "Treatment of choice" for COVID-19
Coronavirus In Minnesota: Mayo Clinic Working On Convalescent Plasma Treatment For COVID-19
Research Paper: Effectiveness of convalescent plasma therapy in severe COVID-19 patients (PNAS)
Immunomodulatory Therapy for COVID-19 Treatment: Interleukin Inhibitors
Research Study: Interleukin-6 in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Immunomodulatory Therapy for COVID-19 Treatment: Stem Cell Therapies