have that luxury,” says Jorey Berry, President & CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation, one of AstraZeneca’s advocacy partners who has collaborated with their Up The Antibodies since launch. “Together, we’re proud to continue advocating for the immunocompromised community so they feel supported navigating the path forward.”
Crystal King, who received a kidney transplant during the pandemic can relate. King, who has been battling chronic kidney disease since her teenage years, also hopes to be more comfortable someday to be able to join activities with family and friends.
“I watch friends experiencing all these ‘firsts’ with their children, and some of my favorite moments in life are creating those memories with my son. His little eyes widen each time we explore a new museum, visit the zoo or check out new books at the library. I’m hopeful that one day I’ll be able to create these memories with my son without having to worry about COVID-19 exposure and the implications that could have on my health,” King shares.
RELATED: Fighting COVID-19 with an Immunocompromising Condition: Tips for Staying Healthy
How to stay safe as an immunocompromised individual
Antibodies play an important role in fighting illnesses – including COVID-19. Unfortunately, for those that are considered immunocompromised and at the highest risk for developing severe COVID-19, their immune systems may not build the necessary antibodies needed to fight against infection.
For those that are immunocompromised like LaDeia and King, a vaccine alone will not provide an adequate response.
A recent study found that among US patients hospitalized with COVID-19, immunocompromised adults accounted for a disproportionately high percentage (12.2 percent) of hospitalizations compared with an estimated 2.7 percent of the US adult population.
The good news is that there are multiple tools that have been used against COVID-19 in vulnerable populations, including monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are produced in a laboratory and can mimic or enhance the immune system’s response, imitating the body’s normal infection-fighting abilities.
How are monoclonal antibodies used?
Monoclonal antibodies are used for diagnosis, disease treatment and research. They’re used:
- As probes to identify materials in laboratories or for use in home-testing kits like those for pregnancy or ovulation.
- To type tissue and blood for use in transplants.
- For diagnosis.
- For disease treatment.
What types of diseases do monoclonal antibodies treat?
Monoclonal antibodies have been used to treat the following conditions:
- Cancer.
- Organ transplant rejection.
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including allergies.
- Infections, including COVID-19.
- Osteoporosis.
- Eye conditions.
- Migraines.
- High cholesterol.
- Nervous system disorders.
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that monoclonal antibodies can treat, consult with your healthcare provider. He or she can help you determine whether or not this type of therapy may be suitable for you.
For more information on antibodies and preparing for what is ahead, visit Up the Antibodies.