Treatments
Different strategies in the search for drugs
New medicine
Investing in new medicines is in VIB's DNA. VIB teams have joined forces with various partners to develop an effective antibody-based drug against COVID-19 in record time.
Testing existing drugs
Every month, week, day counts when a pandemic is raging. That is why we also use our expertise, together with partner hospitals, to test the potential role of existing drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
New medicine
We are working diligently on a small antibody from a llama as a big hope for COVID-19 patients. Building on earlier SARS research, joining forces to advance faster, and founding the company ExeVir to bring the new medicine to patients.
Cancer medicine Leukine® as possible treatment
UZ Gent is testing the cancer drug Leukine® for the treatment of lung problems due to COVID-19 with promising results. Via the VIB Grand Challenges Program and support from the Flemish Government, extra funding has been provided to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Understanding the immune response to COVID-19
Why do people react so differently to COVID-19? One of the big puzzles in this pandemic. There are 'silent diffusers' without symptoms, while other COVID-19 patients require intensive care. More insight into the role of the immune system can help to solve this puzzle.
Which treatment for which form?
Diagnostics and treatment often go hand in hand. How can we offer the optimal treatment to each COVID-19 patient when there are large differences in symptoms? Through detailed analysis the lung fluid of COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. For example, VIB, UZ Leuven, and KU Leuven are looking for leads to help doctors choose the best treatment. These insights can also lead to the development of new treatments.
No effect with rheumatism medication
Rheumatism medications relieve excessive inflammatory reactions, an important symptom of severe COVID-19. This is why researching the potential of rheumatism medication in the fight against COVID-19 makes sense. However, through studies financed by the Federal Knowledge Center for Healthcare, UZ Gent shows that rheumatism medication does not provide added value.
