A group of scientists in Belgium has discovered that antibodies from llamas may help neutralise Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Llama antibodies were originally used in virus research revolving around Sars and Mers. After their antibodies were successful in staving off both virus infections, scientists turned towards using the same antibodies for Covid-19 research. The results were published in the journal Cell.

A llama named Winter is seen in this undated photo released by the VIB-UGent Centre for Medical Biotechnology in Belgium. — Reuters
A llama named Winter is seen in this undated photo released by the VIB-UGent Centre for Medical Biotechnology in Belgium. — Reuters

Researchers are now moving towards clinical trials and hope the antibodies can be used as a prophylactic treatment for healthcare workers but caution that it may not be a permanent solution.

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