Simple new method that measures viral clearance means antibody treatments for COVID and ‘flu can be quickly assessed for effectiveness, say MORU researchers
19 Aug 2025
i
Photo credit Ellen Beer
Measuring the rate of viral clearance from the back of the mouth in patients with mild infections can be used to determine quickly and inexpensively if an antibody is effective in future COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory virus pandemics, say researchers in a letter published today in The Lancet.
The letter authors include Dr James Watson, IDDO’s Associate Director, who said: “This approach proved its value during COVID-19 by rapidly ruling out ineffective drugs like ivermectin and favipiravir, while supporting the use of remdesivir, molnupiravir, and the main protease inhibitors (nirmatrelvir and ensetrelvir).
“By enabling the pre-pandemic evaluation of promising therapies, this platform strengthens global preparedness – saving time, money and, potentially, lives during a future pandemic.”
Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok.