• Published on: May 31, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody Cocktail" 

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REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody cocktail" 

Recently a new drug was approved for use in COVID patients in India. Known as REGN-COV2, this new therapy is based on monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID. So how does it work? And is there any evidence behind the treatment?

Monoclonal antibodies are made from components of the human immune system. When the human body recognizes a bacteria or virus in the body, the immune system recognizes and processes proteins on the surface of that bacteria or virus. This is presented to the adaptive immune system, and antibodies have produced that lock onto these surface proteins, neutralizing their function and also tagging them for destruction by other white blood cells.

If we identify antibodies capable of efficiently tagging and neutralizing a certain virus, we can identify the cell capable of producing that antibody, clone it and produce it in vast quantities. The antibodies produced from this cloned cell line will be able to target the virus at the same efficiency and have the same ability to neutralize the virus. Just like with vaccines, there is a risk of mutations developing, resulting in changes in the surface protein that reduce binding and neutralizing effects of the antibodies, allowing them to escape and continue to cause disease

REGN-COV2 uses two neutralizing antibodies (Casirivimab/imdevimab), in an effort to minimize the ability of a mutant virus to develop resistance against the antibody cocktail, as the virus would need to develop mutations canceling both antibodies out at once. These antibodies neutralize the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing viral entry through ACE2 receptors.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (one of the most prestigious journals in the medical field) data from 275 patients showed a drastic reduction in viral load in patients treated with REGN-COV2. This is clinically significant as hospitalized patients with severe symptoms have higher viral counts than non-hospitalized or asymptomatic patients, suggesting the hypoxaemic, shortness of breath symptoms are related to the viral count and resulting exaggerated immune response.

Based off this result the European Medicines Agency approved the use of REGN-COV2 antibody cocktail in patients who do not require supplemental oxygen but are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

FDA regulations currently recommend it for patients who are COVID positive with risk factors that may result in their hospitalization but do not recommend it for patients who are already hospitalized, requiring O2 therapy because of COVID or need chronic O2 therapy.

Those that fall into the high-risk categories include patients with a high BMI (over 35), diabetes, on immunosuppressive treatment or with an immunosuppressive disease, over 65 years of age or those with chronic diseases such as renal disease, cardiovascular disease, COPD, or other developmental disorders.

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Indoor Cycles

Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote Movement During the Day

Corporate offices today are larger, more digitally connected and more sedentary than ever before. Employees spend extended hours seated at desks, in meetings or on screens. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is among the top risk factors for global mortality. In India, rapid urbanisation and desk-based jobs have significantly increased sedentary behaviour.

One innovative workplace wellness strategy is to Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote movement during the day. This simple yet impactful initiative encourages daily physical activity within the office environment, helping reduce long-term health risks.

The Sedentary Workplace Problem

Large office campuses often require:

  • long walks between departments

  • elevator use for multiple floors

  • extended desk time

However, most employees still remain seated for more than 6–8 hours daily.

ICMR and NFHS-5 data show increasing prevalence of:

  • obesity

  • hypertension

  • diabetes

Sedentary habits contribute significantly to these conditions.

 

Why Movement During the Day Matters

Prolonged sitting affects:

  • metabolism

  • circulation

  • posture

  • heart health

Short bursts of activity improve:

  • blood flow

  • oxygen delivery

  • mental alertness

Encouraging movement throughout the day prevents metabolic slowdown.

 

How Indoor Cycles and Scooters Help

1. Break the Sitting Cycle

Indoor cycles placed in designated zones allow employees to:

  • pedal for 5–10 minutes

  • refresh during breaks

  • reduce continuous sitting

Scooters in large campuses encourage movement between departments.

 

2. Boost Energy Levels

Light physical activity stimulates:

  • endorphin release

  • improved circulation

  • mental clarity

Employees return to tasks with renewed focus.

 

3. Improve Cardiovascular Health

Regular low-intensity cycling helps:

  • regulate blood pressure

  • improve heart function

  • manage weight

Consistent activity reduces risk of heart disease.

 

4. Encourage Active Office Culture

Visible wellness initiatives create:

  • positive peer influence

  • cultural shift toward health

  • higher engagement

When movement becomes normalised, participation increases.

 

Impact on Productivity

Contrary to concerns, movement breaks:

  • improve concentration

  • reduce fatigue

  • enhance creativity

Research cited by global workplace health reports shows that active employees demonstrate better cognitive performance.

 

Suitable for Large Office Campuses

Large offices with:

  • multiple floors

  • wide corridors

  • campus layouts

can safely integrate scooters for short-distance mobility.

Indoor cycling stations can be placed in:

  • wellness corners

  • break rooms

  • near cafeterias

Accessibility encourages usage.

 

Addressing Safety and Practicality

To ensure safety:

  • provide clear guidelines

  • designate riding zones

  • encourage voluntary participation

  • maintain equipment regularly

Structured implementation ensures smooth integration.

 

Mental Health Benefits

Movement during the workday:

  • reduces stress

  • lowers cortisol levels

  • improves mood

Stress reduction contributes to better overall wellbeing.

 

Supporting Preventive Healthcare

Regular physical activity helps prevent:

  • metabolic syndrome

  • obesity

  • type 2 diabetes

  • hypertension

Preventive workplace initiatives reduce long-term health costs.

 

Encouraging Participation

Organisations can:

  • track voluntary participation

  • organise friendly cycling challenges

  • reward consistent engagement

Gamification increases motivation.

 

Complementing Other Wellness Initiatives

Indoor cycles and scooters can integrate with:

  • standing desks

  • walking meetings

  • stretch breaks

  • health screening programs

A multi-layered approach maximises impact.

 

Measuring Success

Metrics may include:

  • employee feedback

  • reduced absenteeism

  • improved wellness survey results

  • increased engagement scores

Data supports long-term continuation.

 

Economic Benefits for Employers

Preventive activity reduces:

  • sick leave

  • burnout

  • productivity loss

Healthy employees contribute more consistently.

 

Creating a Culture of Movement

Leadership participation encourages adoption.

When managers model active behaviour, employees follow.

Wellness becomes embedded in organisational identity.

 

Long-Term Impact

Encouraging daily movement leads to:

  • better cardiovascular health

  • improved metabolic function

  • reduced stress

  • enhanced workplace morale

Small, consistent actions create sustainable change.

 

Conclusion

Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote movement during the day is a forward-thinking corporate wellness strategy. By addressing sedentary habits directly within the workplace environment, organisations can reduce lifestyle disease risk, enhance productivity and foster a culture of health. Movement is not just exercise—it is preventive healthcare in action. When offices actively design for motion, they invest in the long-term wellbeing of their workforce.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Physical Activity and Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease Data
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Obesity and Hypertension Trends
  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports
  • Lancet – Sedentary Behaviour and Chronic Disease Research

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