Blood Plasma Authorized As Treatment For Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Food and Drug Administration on Sunday issued an emergency use authorization for investigational convalescent plasma for the treatment of the coronavirus. The authorization allows the distribution of COVID-19 convalescent plasma in the U.S. and its administration by health care providers to treat patients either confirmed or suspected to have the virus.

The FDA said the convalescent plasma "may be effective in treating COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks."

Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, said data from studies conducted over the last few months have shown that the plasma from patients who have recovered from the virus could help treat those who are currently suffering from the effects of it.

“We will continue to work with researchers to continue randomized clinical trials to study the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma in treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus,” Hahn said.

The plasma "may be effective in lessening the severity or shortening the length of COVID-19 illness in some hospitalized patients," the FDA said.

President Donald Trump made an official announcement of the emergency authorization Sunday evening. He called it an "historic announcement" that will save thousands of lives.

"This is a powerful therapy that transfuses very strong antibodies," Trump said, encouraging those who have recovered from the virus to donate their plasma.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Sunday the Trump administration "recognized the potential of convalescent plasma early on."

“The FDA’s emergency authorization for convalescent plasma is a milestone achievement in President Trump’s efforts to save lives from COVID-19,” Azar said.