On September 21, 2021, it was reported that the Chulabhorn Royal College, together with the Urological Association of Thailand under royal patronage Infectious Disease Association of Thailand and the Emerging Clinical Center Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society organized a press conference on the topic “Coping with the current and future coronavirus disease 2019 situation”
Prof. Dr. Nithi Mahanon, secretary-general of Chulabhorn Royal College, said that as the Chulabhorn Royal College is one of the five agencies authorized to import the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the announcement of the Center for Epidemic Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) to be able to import and distribute medical supplies for use in emergencies. Therefore, foreseen that the drug “Monoclonal Antibody” Which is a drug in the immune suppression effect. There are Phase III clinical trials and use cases in the United States. Indicated to reduce the likelihood of disease progression to a severe degree. Reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and help reduce the mortality rate. especially in patients with COVID-19. who are in risk groups such as the elderly, are obese and have chronic diseases
Therefore, the Chulabhorn Royal College will cooperate with both government and private agencies involved in the import, allocation and distribution of such drugs. to reach as many vulnerable patients as possible in a timely manner including setting the price to be the same standard in every hospital
because at present Thailand is facing the challenge of full beds. as a result of COVID-19 patients The symptoms spread until they had to be hospitalized by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nithipat. and the President of the Urological Society of Thailand under royal patronage which is a doctor who has experience dealing with severe cases Discuss the impact and potential loss. If the disease progresses to a severe level that “Patients who were sent to the ICU often accompanied by pneumonia and organ failure As a result of infection with SARs-COV-2, some patients also have other complications. This puts this group of patients at a 50% risk of death.
In addition, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kamthorn Malatham, President of the Infectious Diseases Association of Thailand also added that the way to cope in this situation “Healthcare workers are working hard to help reduce the tendency for green and yellow patients. (or patients with mild and moderate symptoms) do not let the disease progress to the red level. So, if there are treatment options that help care for COVID-19 patients It’s like getting infected with a virus that causes a cold or the flu. It will help improve the management of medical resources to meet the needs of patients. Because not all patients need to be hospitalized. but by means of self-isolation after being exposed to the infection (Self-Isolation) strictly instead.
However, in the past, there was no medicinal product of any kind. In addition to “monoclonal antibodies,” these are immunosuppressive drugs such as antibody cocktails that are approved for direct treatment of COVID-19 patients and also appear on the American Infectious Diseases Society list ( Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Today, despite all the efforts to spread the vaccine, But the number of people who have received the full dose of vaccine is still only 14.3 million or 20.5% of the country’s population only. by those who have not been vaccinated at all due to certain congenital diseases or immunodeficiency “The drug is considered a good treatment option. If a person who has not been vaccinated accidentally comes into contact with the virus, vaccination is still the primary preventive measure and should be the first choice for people without limitations such as congenital disease or allergic reactions.
In terms of progress in dealing with the epidemic of coronavirus 2019 in foreign countries, Asst. Prof. Opas Puttcharoen, Head of the Clinical Emerging Disease Center Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society clarified that “In foreign countries such as the United States, England, the Food and Drug Administration of those countries has approved the use of antibody cocktails in people who have a history of exposure but have not been infected. and in those who have confirmed infection but do not show symptoms
If Thailand adopts this approach, it could increase the treatment options for patients and stop the spread of the virus more rapidly at the same time. by defensive strategies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis is not limited to antibody drugs only. But now, antiviral drugs are also being studied. If this approach is applied alongside the distribution of vaccines that reduce the severity of disease and prevent death Public access will be more convenient and wider. which contributes to Thailand to reduce the spread of the infection more effectively.”
Finally, enhancing knowledge and understanding about the appropriate treatment options for each patient group is therefore an important mechanism that the Royal College of Chulabhorn, professional associations and various medical institutions. It is already seen as a way to cope with the current and future epidemic situation. The Chulabhorn Royal College also has a project to study and research products for the treatment of COVID-19. in the immune-negative or monoclonal antibody group in patients whose symptoms and risk factors are consistent with the drug recommendations. To closely monitor treatment outcomes and further assess suitability.
