Convalescent plasma gets Presidential endorsement – Michigan State’s Nigel Paneth played a key role and is available to speak with media

On July 30, the White House endorsed the use of convalescent plasma in an effort to aid the recovery efforts of those suffering from COVID-19.

Michigan State’s Dr. Nigel Paneth has played an instrumental role in the research and development of this ground-breaking process which could see health care take a monumental step forward in the treatment and recovery of this disease.

Background:

On March 25, the Food and Drug Administration expedited the compassionate use of convalescent plasma – plasma from those who have recovered – for care of seriously ill patients infected with coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease. The use of convalescent serum involves taking the antibodies of those who have recovered and giving them to someone else to fight the virus. Currently, the FDA has approved the treatment for compassionate use, which means it can only be used in very severe cases of COVID-19 disease, but it is anticipated that broader use will be approved soon.

Epidemiologist Nigel Paneth, a Michigan State University professor and member of the project’s leadership team, along with colleagues from Johns Hopkins University and the Mayo Clinic, led the development of the National Convalescent Plasma Project last month. The project includes 170 physician-scientists from 50 universities and hospitals across the nation studying the use of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 treatment and prevention.

Dr. Nigel Paneth on the Today Show explaining convalescent plasma:

If you are a journalist covering this topic, Nigel Paneth is available to speak with media. Simply contact Kim Ward or Caroline Brooks to arrange an interview today.

Kim Ward, University Communications: (517) 432-0117, kward@msu.edu

Caroline Brooks, University Communications: (517) 432-0920, brooks78@msu.edu