Efficacy and Safety of Two Hyperimmune Equine Anti Sars-CoV-2 Serum in COVID-19 Patients

Overview

Reports of the use of plasma from convalescent patients and purified immunoglobulin preparations in respiratory infections by various viral agents and SARS-CoV-2 in severely ill patients suggest that specific neutralizing antibodies may benefit their clinical course. During the previous SARS-CoV epidemic in 2003, preparations of hyperimmune equine serum were produced and demonstrated in vitro viral neutralization. These preparations were also successful in several animal models. Taking advantage of the important trajectory of our country in the study and use of equine hyperimmune serums with neutralizing antibodies for snake venom, preparations of hyperimmune serums against recombinant proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were produced through repeated immunization of horses, a first group of animals was inoculated with the "S" (Spike) protein of the virus and the second group with a mixture "M" of the S1 (Spike) proteins, the N (Nucleoprotein) protein and a construct with epitopes of the S1, E (Envelope) and M (Membrane) proteins, generating two different pharmaceutical preparations. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of two hyperimmune equine serum anti-Sars-CoV-2 ("S" and "M") formulations as an addition to the standard therapeutic approach for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 over 18 years of age with the presence of at least 2 risk factors and a symptom onset period not exceeding 10 days. A total of 52 patients will be included and randomly divided into two balanced groups. On day 1, all participants from each group will receive an intravenous infusion containing 10ml (one vial) of hyperimmune equine anti-Sars-CoV-2 serum labeled as A or B. Patients will be evaluated clinically, general laboratory, SARS-CoV-2 serologies, SARS-CoV-2 viral load and cytokines level as well as pulmonary ultrasound. Data will be collected for both groups on Days 0 to 7, 10 and 14 or discharge after completion of treatment. The study will end for each participant on the day of discharge from the hospital.