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Written question asked by Baroness Altmann (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 February 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 March 2023. It was answered by Lord Markham (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 March 2023 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Immunosuppression

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the finding from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that "Evusheld is not recommended for vulnerable adults who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 because there is not enough evidence of its effectiveness against current variants and those likely to be circulating in the next 6 months", what consideration they have given to using human-derived convalescent plasma for immune compromised individuals; and what trials they have undertaken, if any, to test its effectiveness.

Answer

For treatment of patients with COVID-19, the REMAP-CAP and RECOVERY trials both found convalescent plasma did not provide any benefit to the overall patient group. However, detailed analysis within subgroups of the REMAP-CAP data found there was a likelihood that people who are immunosuppressed may benefit from convalescent plasma with very high antibody levels - unfortunately there was insufficient data for a definite result. Consequently, REMAP-CAP has now decided to reopen the convalescent plasma arm to collect more data.

Further research is needed to determine the benefit of using human-derived convalescent plasma, or products derived from it, for immunocompromised individuals before this could be approved and available to patients. The Department commissions research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including immunoglobulins and convalescent plasma.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5825
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Blood Medical treatments Coronavirus Immunosuppression
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk