USE OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO TREAT PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced proteins that can bind to specific targets, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. These antibodies have the ability to neutralize the virus, preventing its entry into human cells and consequently its replication. This article aims to conduct a systematic review of the current medical literature, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, on the use of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The research was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases, covering the last five years (2018-2023). The search strategy included terms such as "COVID-19," "Monoclonal Antibodies," and "SARS-CoV-2." The results indicate that monoclonal antibodies have shown significant efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19, especially in patients at high risk of progressing to severe forms of the disease, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have demonstrated that the early use of monoclonal antibodies can reduce viral load, decrease the need for hospitalization, and reduce mortality associated with COVID-19. It is concluded that monoclonal antibodies have shown efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19, particularly in patients at high risk of progressing to severe forms of the disease.