The Russian Federal Biomedical Agency announced that "Covid Globulin," the world's first registered specific immunoglobulin drug, is currently undergoing clinical trials. Olga Eichler, head of the medical support department at the Russian Federal Biomedical Agency, stated at the Eastern Economic Forum: "The first phase of clinical trials is now underway for a drug developed in the laboratory of the Natcimbio Immunological Company, which is an immunoglobulin specific against Covid," according to Russian media reports.
The Russian Ministry of Health registered the world's first specific immunoglobulin for the coronavirus, based on the plasma of individuals recovered from the disease, in early April. After completing the second and third phases of clinical trials, the drug is anticipated to be used in treating moderate and severe cases of Covid-19.
The coronavirus has caused at least 4,565,622 deaths worldwide since the World Health Organization's office in China reported the emergence of the disease at the end of December 2019. At least 220,652,860 individuals have confirmed infections since its appearance. The vast majority of those infected have recovered, although some continue to experience symptoms weeks or even months later.
These figures are based on daily reports released by health authorities in each country and exclude subsequent reviews by statistical agencies that indicate significantly higher death tolls. The World Health Organization considers that the death toll of the pandemic could be two to three times greater than the officially reported numbers, taking into account excess mortality directly or indirectly associated with Covid-19.
