The emergency approval of blood plasma as a potential Covid-19 treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration has now been put on hold, the New York Times reported, citing two senior administration officials.

According to Reuters, a group of top federal health officials including Anthony Fauci have argued that the emerging data on the treatment was too weak, adding that an emergency approval could still be granted in the near future.

The authorisation is on hold for now as more data is reviewed, the NYT reported, citing Clifford Lane, the clinical director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institute of Health (NIH).

“Per policy, we are not able to comment on whether or not we will take any action regarding emergency use authorisation for convalescent plasma,” the FDA said.