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

REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody Cocktail"

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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How Inflammation Affects Overall Health: Understanding the Hidden Risks

Inflammation is often misunderstood. While it is a vital protective response of the immune system, persistent or chronic inflammation can quietly damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases. Understanding how inflammation affects overall health is crucial in preventing long-term complications and maintaining optimal wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization and global medical research published in Lancet, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to:

infection
injury
toxins
stress

It activates immune cells to eliminate harmful stimuli and promote healing.

There are two main types:

Acute Inflammation

Short-term and protective.
Examples include swelling after injury or fever during infection.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term, low-grade inflammation that persists even without injury.

Chronic inflammation is harmful.

How Chronic Inflammation Develops

Persistent inflammation can result from:

unhealthy diet
sedentary lifestyle
obesity
chronic stress
environmental toxins
untreated infections

Modern lifestyle patterns contribute significantly to this condition.

Impact on Heart Health

Inflammation damages blood vessels and promotes plaque formation.

This increases risk of:

heart attack
stroke
hypertension

ICMR data highlights cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death in India, with inflammation playing a contributing role.

Link Between Inflammation and Diabetes

Chronic inflammation interferes with insulin signalling.

This leads to:

insulin resistance
elevated blood sugar
metabolic syndrome

NFHS-5 data shows rising diabetes prevalence, partly linked to inflammatory lifestyle factors.

Effect on Joint and Muscle Health

Inflammatory processes contribute to:

arthritis
joint stiffness
muscle pain

Autoimmune diseases often involve chronic inflammation.

Gut Health and Inflammation

The gut plays a central role in immune regulation.

Poor diet and stress disrupt gut balance, triggering:

inflammatory bowel conditions
digestive discomfort
nutrient malabsorption

Gut inflammation impacts systemic health.

Brain Health and Inflammation

Emerging research suggests chronic inflammation affects:

memory
mood
cognitive performance

Inflammatory markers are associated with depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

Chronic Fatigue and Inflammatory Stress

Persistent inflammation causes:

ongoing fatigue
reduced stamina
sleep disturbances

The immune system remains in constant activation mode.

Role in Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Chronic inflammation is central to conditions such as:

rheumatoid arthritis
lupus
inflammatory bowel disease

Signs of Chronic Inflammation

Symptoms may include:

unexplained fatigue
persistent joint pain
digestive issues
frequent infections
skin problems

Early detection is important.

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Inflammation

High Sugar Intake

Excess sugar promotes inflammatory pathways.

Processed Foods

Trans fats and additives trigger immune responses.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercise reduces anti-inflammatory benefits.

Poor Sleep

Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers.

Chronic Stress

Elevated cortisol disrupts immune balance.

Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

leafy greens
fruits rich in antioxidants
nuts and seeds
whole grains

Avoid excessive processed foods.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise lowers inflammatory markers and improves circulation.

Stress Management

Meditation and breathing exercises reduce stress hormones.

Adequate Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Excess abdominal fat produces inflammatory chemicals.

Role of Preventive Health Screening

Regular tests such as:

blood sugar
lipid profile
inflammatory markers

help monitor risk factors early.

Importance of Early Intervention

Unchecked inflammation increases risk of:

cardiovascular disease
metabolic disorders
organ damage

Timely lifestyle changes reverse early inflammatory effects.

Long-Term Health Benefits of Inflammation Control

Reducing inflammation supports:

heart health
stable blood sugar
improved immunity
enhanced cognitive function
reduced pain

Preventive strategies protect long-term wellbeing.

Conclusion

Understanding how inflammation affects overall health reveals its profound impact on the heart, brain, gut and metabolic systems. While acute inflammation protects the body, chronic inflammation silently contributes to major diseases. Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep and stress management significantly reduce inflammatory burden. Prevention and early monitoring remain the most effective tools for protecting overall health and ensuring long-term vitality.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Disease and Inflammation Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Diabetes and Hypertension Data
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports
Lancet – Inflammation and Chronic Disease Research

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